Echeveria - Linguas
The Echeveria linguas is a captivating and unique succulent prized for its heavily textured and sculptural leaves. For those seeking a distinctive addition to their succulent collection, or a low-maintenance yet visually striking houseplant, the Echeveria linguas is an excellent choice.
Key Characteristics:
- Striking Foliage: The most remarkable feature of the Echeveria linguas is its thick, fleshy leaves covered in prominent, raised bumps called caruncles. This gives the leaves a dramatic, three-dimensional, and almost alien-like appearance, setting it apart from other Echeverias. The leaves often curve inwards, resembling spoons or scoops.
- Coloration: The leaves typically exhibit a beautiful range of blue-green to cool gray-green hues. Depending on the season and the amount of light it receives, the edges and caruncles can take on delicate accents of pink or white, further enhancing its visual appeal.
- Rosette Shape and Size: This Echeveria forms a generous and symmetrical rosette that can mature to over 25 cm (around 10 inches) in diameter. Its substantial size makes it a wonderful centerpiece in succulent arrangements or as a standalone specimen.
- Flowers: In the summer months, the Echeveria linguas can produce tall, branched stalks bearing small, bell-shaped flowers that are typically pink.
- Hybrid Origin: The Echeveria linguas is a hybrid created by the renowned succulent hybridizer Dick Wright in 2008.
Care Guide:
- Light: Echeveria linguas thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but harsh afternoon sun, especially during hot periods, can cause sunburn. When grown indoors, a spot near a south-facing window with some protection during peak hours is ideal. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation (stretching) as the plant reaches for more light, losing its compact shape and vibrant colors.
- Watering: Like most succulents, the Echeveria linguas is drought-tolerant and susceptible to root rot if overwatered. The "soak and dry" method is best: water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and then allow it to dry out completely before watering again. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months when the plant's growth slows down. Avoid letting water sit in the rosette, as this can also lead to rot.
- Soil: This succulent requires well-draining soil to prevent water retention around its roots. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is ideal. You can also amend regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.
- Temperature: Echeveria linguas prefers moderate temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). It is not frost-hardy and should be protected from freezing temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C (41°F) for short periods, but prolonged exposure to cold can cause damage.
- Humidity: Average household humidity levels are generally suitable for Echeveria linguas.
- Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not essential, but a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer applied sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) can encourage healthy growth and vibrant colors. Avoid over-fertilizing.
- Potting: Repotting is generally recommended every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more room for growth. Spring is the best time for repotting. Choose a pot with drainage holes.
Propagation:
Echeveria linguas can be propagated through several methods:
- Leaf Cuttings: This is the most common and easiest method. Carefully remove a healthy, mature leaf from the stem, ensuring a clean break. Allow the cut end to callous over for a few days in a dry place. Once calloused, place the leaf on top of well-draining soil or slightly insert the cut end into the soil. Mist lightly occasionally. New roots and a small rosette will eventually form at the base of the leaf. The mother leaf will eventually wither and can be removed.
- Offsets (Pups): Mature Echeveria linguas may occasionally produce small offshoots or "pups" around the base of the main rosette. These can be carefully separated once they have developed their own roots and planted in their own pots.
- Seeds: Propagation by seed is possible but is a slower process and less common for home gardeners.
The Echeveria linguas is a truly remarkable succulent that brings a touch of sculptural elegance to any plant collection. Its unique textured leaves and relatively easy care requirements make it a favorite among both beginner and experienced succulent enthusiasts. If you're looking for a statement plant that is both visually striking and low-maintenance, the Echeveria linguas is a fantastic choice.
* 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.

