Discover the Striking Beauty of Echeveria 'Frank Reinelt'
Echeveria 'Frank Reinelt' is a captivating succulent prized for its stunning rosette of fleshy, silvery-blue to grey leaves that often take on beautiful pink or purple hues along the edges, especially when stressed by cool temperatures or bright sunlight. This relatively compact and elegant Echeveria hybrid is a favorite among succulent enthusiasts for its unique coloration and ease of care, making it a wonderful addition to indoor and outdoor succulent collections.
 
Key Features of Echeveria 'Frank Reinelt'
Rosette Formation: Exhibits a symmetrical rosette of thick, spoon-shaped leaves.
Striking Coloration: Leaves display a beautiful silvery-blue to grey base color, often with vibrant pink or purple margins.
Farina Coating: Possesses a powdery white coating (farina) on the leaves, giving them a soft, matte appearance and providing protection from sun and water.
Compact Size: Typically remains relatively small, making it ideal for containers and smaller spaces.
Flowering: Produces tall flower stalks with bell-shaped, orange-yellow flowers, usually in the spring or summer.
 
Care for Your Echeveria 'Frank Reinelt'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. The intensity of light influences the vibrancy of the edge coloration.  
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice works well.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which is a common cause of failure. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period.
Temperature: Prefers mild temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F). It can tolerate short periods of cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost.
Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels. Avoid overly humid environments.
 
Maintenance of Your Echeveria 'Frank Reinelt'
Farina Preservation: Be careful not to rub the powdery farina off the leaves, as it is part of their natural protection and contributes to their aesthetic appeal. Water from the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves.
Removing Dead Leaves: Gently remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the rosette to prevent pest issues and maintain a clean appearance.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its container, typically in the spring or summer. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one and ensure it has drainage holes.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal diseases.  
 
Propagation of Echeveria 'Frank Reinelt'
Leaf Propagation: Gently remove a healthy, mature leaf from the base of the rosette, ensuring a clean break. Allow the cut end to callus over for a few days. Place the leaf on top of well-draining soil or slightly bury the cut end. Mist lightly and keep in a warm, bright spot (but out of direct sun) until roots and a new plantlet form.
Offset (Pup) Removal: Mature Echeveria 'Frank Reinelt' plants may produce small offsets or "pups" around the base. Once these pups have developed their own roots, they can be carefully separated from the mother plant and potted individually.
Stem Cuttings: If the plant has a stem, a section can be cut and allowed to callus before planting in well-draining soil.
 
Echeveria 'Frank Reinelt' is a truly captivating succulent that rewards even novice growers with its stunning visual appeal and relatively simple care requirements. Its unique silvery-blue foliage with rosy accents adds a touch of elegance to any succulent collection, whether displayed indoors on a sunny windowsill or as part of an outdoor arrangement in warmer climates. With attention to proper light, watering, and well-draining soil, this beautiful Echeveria will thrive and continue to enchant with its subtle yet striking beauty.
 
* 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.