Imagine a succulent that truly lives up to its descriptive name, often exhibiting a unique growth habit where layers of leaves stack upon each other in a dense and somewhat cascading manner, resembling a miniature, architectural fountain. This Taiwanese hybrid is celebrated for its distinctive form and often beautiful coloration, making it a standout specimen in any succulent collection and a source of fascination for plant enthusiasts seeking something truly special and visually dynamic.
 
Key Features of Echeveria 'Fantastic Fountain'
Stacked Leaf Formation: The most striking feature is the way its fleshy leaves emerge tightly layered along a stem, creating a stacked or tiered effect reminiscent of a fountain.
Down-turned Foliage: As the plant matures, the leaves often curve downwards, enhancing the cascading or fountain-like appearance.
Color Variations: Leaves can display beautiful shades of lilac-blue, silver, and green, sometimes with a pink or purple blush, particularly when exposed to bright light. Younger plants may initially be greener.
Upright Growth: Unlike many Echeverias that remain low rosettes, 'Fantastic Fountain' develops a more upright stem as it matures.
Offsets (Pups): It readily produces smaller "pup" plants around the base, which can enhance the fountain effect and provide opportunities for propagation.
Flower Spikes: Mature plants can send up tall, arching flower spikes adorned with bright orange-pink, bell-shaped flowers.
 
Care for Your Echeveria 'Fantastic Fountain'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Protect from intense afternoon sun, which can cause sunburn. A well-lit position is essential for maintaining good coloration and the plant's unique form.
Soil: Requires a very well-draining potting mix, such as a commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with extra perlite or pumice.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the top inch or two of the soil is completely dry. Be careful not to overwater, and avoid letting the plant sit in water. Water around the base or in the saucer, not directly onto the rosette. Reduce watering in winter.
Temperature: Prefers mild temperatures and is frost-tender. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Thrives in relatively dry air. Ensure good air circulation.
 
Maintenance for a Flourishing Fountain
Removing Dead Leaves: Carefully remove any dead, dry leaves from the base of the plant to prevent rot and pests.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Choose a pot with good drainage. Spring or early summer is a good time for repotting.
Head Cutting: To maintain a more compact and vigorous form, some growers recommend a regular "head cut" every 18 months to 2 years. The removed head can be propagated.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly.
Fertilizing: A light feeding with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season can be beneficial but is not essential.
 
Propagation Methods for Your Fantastic Fountain
Offsets (Pups): The easiest method is to carefully remove the small "pup" plants that grow around the base of the mature plant once they have developed their own roots. Allow the cut ends to callus before planting in well-draining soil.
Stem Cuttings (Head Cutting): The "head" removed during maintenance can be rooted. Allow the cut stem to callus for several days before planting it in well-draining soil.
Leaf Cuttings: While possible, leaf propagation can be slower and may not always perfectly replicate the unique growth habit. Select healthy leaves, allow them to callus, and place them on well-draining soil until roots and new plantlets form.
 
Echeveria 'Fantastic Fountain' is a truly remarkable succulent, offering a captivating and unusual growth habit that is sure to excite any plant enthusiast. With its relatively easy care and fascinating form, it's a must-have for collectors looking to add a touch of architectural wonder to their succulent displays, creating a living fountain of beautiful foliage.
 
 
* 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.