Echeveria 'Onslow' is a captivating succulent hybrid celebrated for its robust, often large rosette of fleshy leaves and its potential for stunning coloration, particularly when exposed to cooler temperatures and bright light. This visually striking plant is a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts for its impressive presence and relatively easy-care nature, making it a standout addition to any collection.
 
Key Features of Echeveria 'Onslow'
Large Rosette: Typically forms a substantial and impressive rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that can reach a significant size.
Spoon-Shaped Leaves: The leaves are often broad and somewhat spoon-shaped, contributing to the full and rounded appearance of the rosette.
Attractive Coloration: Known for its beautiful color transformations, 'Onslow' can display shades of green, blue-green, pink, coral, and purple, with cooler temperatures and bright light often intensifying these hues.
Farina (Epicuticular Wax): The leaves are often covered in a powdery white coating (farina), giving them a soft, matte finish and providing protection from sun and water loss. Handle with care to avoid damaging it.
Relatively Fast Growth: Compared to some other Echeverias, 'Onslow' can exhibit relatively vigorous growth under favorable conditions.
Potential for Offsets: Mature plants may produce offsets or "chicks" around the base, offering a means of propagation.
 
Care for Your Echeveria 'Onslow'
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. To achieve the most vibrant coloration, provide several hours of direct sunlight, ideally in the morning or late afternoon. Insufficient light can lead to dull colors and etiolation (stretching).
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice is highly recommended.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk for Echeverias. Reduce watering considerably during the dormant winter months.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Flourishing Plant
Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the bottom of the rosette to maintain a clean and healthy environment and deter pests.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger and has drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
Protecting Farina: If your 'Onslow' has farina, handle the leaves as little as possible to avoid damaging this protective layer. Water from the base of the plant.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy feeding. A diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly once or twice during the active growing season (spring and summer).
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Offsets (Chicks): Carefully separate offsets that have developed their own root systems from the mother plant. Allow the cut surfaces to callus over for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil.
Leaf Cuttings: Select healthy, mature leaves and ensure a clean break from the stem. Allow the cut end to callus for several days. Place the callused leaf on top of well-draining soil or slightly bury the callused end. Mist lightly and provide indirect light until roots and new plantlets emerge. This can be a slower process.
Stem Cuttings: If the plant develops a stem, sections can be cut, allowed to callus, and then planted in well-draining soil.
 
Echeveria 'Onslow', with its impressive size and potential for stunning color transformations, is a rewarding and visually striking succulent that makes a wonderful focal point in any collection or arrangement. Its relatively easy care requirements further contribute to its popularity among succulent enthusiasts.
 
 
* 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.