Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ is a distinctive succulent with a unique rosette shape and inverted, blue-green leaves. Its striking appearance, with leaves curving inward and upward, makes it a popular choice for succulent enthusiasts.
Light
Adequate light is essential for the health of Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’. Outdoors, these plants thrive in full to partial sun, encouraging vibrant coloration and compact growth. Indoors, they require bright, indirect light, often needing placement near a south-facing window or under supplemental grow lights.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for ‘Topsy Turvy’ care. The “soak and dry” method is ideal: thoroughly saturate the soil, then allow it to dry out completely before the next watering. This drought-tolerant plant stores water in its plump leaves, reducing watering frequency. During dormant winter months, reduce watering significantly, allowing for longer dry periods.
Soil
The right soil mix is important for Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’, directly impacting drainage and aeration. A coarse, sandy, and well-draining substrate is necessary to prevent waterlogged conditions. Commercial succulent or cactus potting mixes are suitable, often amended with perlite or pumice to enhance drainage.
Temperature and Hardiness
Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of frost. It flourishes outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. In colder climates, bring the plant indoors before the first frost to protect it from damage.
Fertilization
Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ is not a heavy feeder and requires minimal fertilization. A single application of a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer in the spring, at the beginning of its active growing season, is sufficient. Over-fertilization can lead to weak, leggy growth and potentially harm the plant’s root system.
Repotting Echeveria Topsy Turvy
Repotting Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ is needed every few years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Signs include roots growing out of drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy. When repotting, select a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, ensuring it has adequate drainage. Carefully remove the plant, gently shake off old soil, and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining succulent mix.
Propagating Echeveria Topsy Turvy
Propagating Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ is straightforward, commonly achieved through offsets or individual leaves. Offsets, or “pups,” are miniature versions of the parent plant growing around its base. Gently twist or cut these away once they reach a few inches, allow them to callus for a day or two, then plant in well-draining soil.
Leaf propagation involves carefully twisting a healthy, intact leaf from the stem, ensuring the entire base is removed. Leave these in a dry, shaded area for several days until a callus forms. Once callused, place the leaf on top of well-draining succulent soil; roots and a tiny new plantlet will emerge. Both methods require minimal initial watering until new roots are established.
Common Issues and Solutions
Overwatering is the most frequent problem for Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’, leading to soft, mushy leaves and root rot. If signs appear, reduce watering and ensure the soil dries completely between applications. Improving soil drainage with perlite or pumice can prevent future issues.
While pest-resistant, ‘Topsy Turvy’ can attract mealybugs. Address these by wiping with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or applying diluted neem oil.
Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch and become “leggy,” a condition known as etiolation, characterized by elongated stems and widely spaced leaves. Move the plant to a brighter location or provide supplemental grow lights; existing stretched growth will not revert.
Sunburn, appearing as bleached or scorched spots, indicates too much intense direct sun. Gradually acclimatize the plant to strong light or provide partial shade during peak sun hours.