Echeveria - Cassini (CALARA HYBRID)
Echeveria 'Cassini', another stunning Calara Hybrid, is a captivating succulent prized for its elegant rosette form and often striking coloration. This popular Echeveria cultivar typically features fleshy leaves arranged in a symmetrical pattern, frequently displaying attractive hues and sometimes subtle textural variations. Its relatively compact size and ease of care make it a favored choice for both novice and experienced succulent enthusiasts, adding a touch of refined beauty to indoor and outdoor succulent collections.
Key Features of Echeveria 'Cassini'
- Rosette Shape: Forms a neat and symmetrical rosette of fleshy leaves.
- Leaf Coloration: Leaves often exhibit a beautiful blend of colors, which can include shades of green, blue-green, pink, purple, or silver, sometimes with contrasting tips or edges. The intensity of the colors can be influenced by light and temperature.
- Leaf Shape and Texture: Leaves are typically spoon-shaped to somewhat triangular, with smooth surfaces, though some variations might show subtle textures.
- Compact Size: Generally remains a relatively small to medium-sized succulent, making it suitable for various container sizes and arrangements.
- Offsets: Can produce offsets or "chicks" around the base, allowing for easy propagation and the formation of clusters over time.
Care for Your Echeveria 'Cassini'
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to maintain vibrant colors and a compact rosette. Insufficient light can cause stretching (etiolation). Some direct morning sun is usually tolerated, but protect from harsh afternoon sun.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is ideal. Consider amending with extra perlite or pumice for enhanced drainage.
- Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk for Echeverias. Reduce watering frequency during the winter dormancy period.
- Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
- Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Avoid overly humid environments.
Maintenance for a Healthy Plant
- Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead, dried, or damaged leaves from the base of the rosette to prevent potential pest issues and maintain a clean appearance.
- Repotting: Repot the plant every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one with good drainage. Spring is generally the best time for repotting.
- Pest Inspection: Periodically check for common succulent pests such as mealybugs and aphids. Address any infestations promptly with appropriate treatments like insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Fertilizing: Echeverias are light feeders. A diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) once or twice. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation Methods for Echeveria 'Cassini'
- Offsets (Chicks): Carefully detach offsets that have developed their own roots from the mother plant. Allow the cut ends to callus for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil.
- Leaf Cuttings: Gently remove healthy, plump leaves from the rosette, ensuring a clean break. Allow the leaves to callus over for a few days. Place them on top of well-draining soil in a bright, indirect light location. Mist lightly occasionally until roots and new plantlets form.
- Stem Cuttings: If the plant develops a stem, it can be beheaded. Allow the cut stem and the remaining rosette to callus before replanting in well-draining soil.
Echeveria 'Cassini', with its graceful form and captivating colors, is a delightful succulent to cultivate. Its relatively low-maintenance nature and various propagation methods make it a rewarding addition to any succulent collection, bringing a touch of understated elegance to any space it graces.
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.