TheNaturePlanet

When it comes to the Echeveria chihuahuaensis succulent, many beginners may wonder: is it easy to take care of? In fact, this little plant can be regarded as an "entry-level player" in the world of succulents. Its low maintenance difficulty is surprisingly pleasing, and it is especially suitable for friends who are busy at work or have just started to get in touch with succulents. Its native habitat is in the arid regions of Mexico. It is naturally drought-tolerant, with plump leaves full of water, and it's okay if you occasionally forget to water it. Moreover, its growth habits are not picky. As long as you remember a few key maintenance points, it can grow well on the balcony, windowsill, or even on the office desk. The edges of the leaves will turn red, which is particularly beautiful.

First of all, let's talk about its growth preferences. The Echeveria chihuahuaensis likes sunlight, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is most suitable to receive 4-6 hours of sunlight a day. In spring and autumn, it can be directly placed outdoors for cultivation. After getting enough sunlight, the edges of the leaves will turn into a beautiful carmine color, and the leaves will be more compact and plump. In summer, it should be shaded at noon, otherwise, black spots are likely to appear on the leaves. In winter, it should be moved to the windowsill facing south indoors, and it can grow with scattered light. If there is not enough light, it will "grow spindly", with the leaves turning green and thinner, and the plant shape will also spread out, making it less beautiful.

In addition to light, watering is also crucial. It is very drought-tolerant, and just remember to "water thoroughly when the soil is dry". How can we determine if the soil is dry? You can check the surface soil, or insert a toothpick into the soil. If the tip of the toothpick is dry when pulled out, it's time to water. During the growth period in spring and autumn, water it once a week. In hot summer and cold winter, water it less. Water it once every half a month to a month in summer, and once every 1-2 months in winter. And try to water at noon on sunny days to avoid the cold water irritating the roots. When watering, be careful not to pour water onto the center of the leaves, otherwise, water accumulation is likely to cause the core to rot.

The choice of soil is also important. Use breathable and loose soil. It is recommended to mix granular soil (such as volcanic stone, zeolite, etc.) with peat soil. The granular soil should account for six to seven tenths, and the peat soil should account for three to four tenths. Such soil can both retain water and be breathable, and it is not easy to cause root rot. Choose a clay pot or ceramic pot with drainage holes at the bottom. The size of the pot should be slightly larger than the plant, and if it is too large, water is likely to accumulate.

In summer and winter, with a little attention to maintenance, it can easily get through these seasons. When the temperature exceeds 30°C in summer, it will go into a temporary dormancy. At this time, it should be placed in a well-ventilated place with scattered light, such as the inner side of the balcony or by the windowsill, to avoid a stuffy and humid environment. At the same time, do not fertilize and water less, keeping the soil slightly dry. If you find that the leaves become soft and wrinkled, water a little along the edge of the pot in the evening, but don't water it thoroughly.

In winter, it is afraid of cold. When the temperature is lower than 5°C, it should be moved indoors to avoid frostbite. It is best to keep the indoor temperature above 10°C and let it get more sunlight. Water at noon when it's warm, and the water temperature should be similar to the room temperature to avoid irritating the roots. By doing these things well, it can maintain a good state in winter.

The Echeveria chihuahuaensis doesn't often get sick or have pests. Mainly, if you water too much, it may get root rot and leaf spot disease. If you see black spots or water-soaked leaves, quickly take it out of the pot, clean up the rotten roots and damaged leaves, soak it in carbendazim for disinfection, and then plant it in new soil. Occasionally, there will be mealybugs as pests. If there are only a few, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If there are many, spray some insecticides like Huahuashen. In short, keep the environment ventilated and don't water too much, and the occurrence of problems can be reduced.

Many people also care about how big the Echeveria chihuahuaensis succulent can grow. It doesn't grow very fast and belongs to the small to medium-sized variety. When you first buy a small seedling, the diameter of a single head is 2-3 centimeters, looking like a cute little thing. If you take good care of it, it can grow to about 5 centimeters in a year, and it can reach 8-10 centimeters in 2-3 years. The leaves are layered like a lotus. If you want it to be more lush, you can let it grow side shoots to form a multi-headed cluster. As more and more side shoots grow, the whole plant will become more plump. After 3-4 years of cultivation, the crown width can reach more than 15 centimeters, and if you plant it in a large pot, it can even exceed 20 centimeters, and it will be particularly spectacular when it fills the pot.

If you have been taking care of it for a long time, you can even cultivate it into an old bonsai. At this time, the stem will gradually lignify, becoming thick and hard, with a layer of brown skin on the surface, giving it a very quaint feeling. Its height can reach 10-15 centimeters. With a beautiful flower pot, it is like a miniature ancient tree, especially artistic. Of course, it takes a little patience to cultivate it into an old bonsai, usually 3-5 years. But watching it change slowly is also a very rewarding thing.

In general, the Echeveria chihuahuaensis succulent is both beautiful and easy to care for, especially suitable for beginners. As long as you remember to give it sufficient light, not to water too much, use breathable soil, pay attention to sun protection and ventilation in summer, and keep it warm in winter, and deal with small problems occasionally, it can grow from a small single head to a multi-headed cluster or even an old bonsai, adding a lot of vitality to your home. Whether you put it on the table as a small ornament or on the balcony as the main scenery, it is very suitable.