Echeveria - Peacockii Setosa X Seconds
Echeveria Peacockii Setosa X Seconds is a captivating succulent admired for its elegant, open rosettes of silvery-blue to grey-green leaves that often develop beautiful pink or reddish edges under stress. Its refined appearance and relatively easy care make it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced succulent enthusiasts, adding a touch of subtle beauty to any collection.
Key Features of Echeveria peacockii
- Open Rosette: Forms a graceful, somewhat flattened rosette of fleshy leaves.
- Silvery-Blue to Grey-Green Leaves: The leaves typically exhibit a soft, powdery silvery-blue or grey-green coloration due to a farina (epicuticular wax) covering.
- Pink to Red Edges: When exposed to cooler temperatures or brighter light, the leaf margins often develop attractive pink to reddish hues.
- Lanceolate to Oblanceolate Leaves: The leaves are generally elongated and somewhat flattened, tapering towards the tip.
- Farina (Epicuticular Wax): The powdery coating on the leaves provides a soft, matte finish and helps protect the plant from sun and water loss. Handle with care to avoid rubbing it off.
- Relatively Compact Size: Typically remains a relatively small to medium-sized succulent, suitable for various container arrangements.
- Potential for Offsets: Mature plants can produce offsets or "chicks" around the base, allowing for easy propagation.
Care for Your Echeveria peacockii
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its compact growth and coloration. Some direct morning sun or filtered afternoon sun is beneficial for bringing out the pink edges. Insufficient light can lead to stretching (etiolation) and a loss of color.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice is ideal.
- 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 generally not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
- Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
- Handling Farina: Handle the leaves gently and water from the base to avoid damaging the powdery farina.
- Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the rosette to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
- Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger and has drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
- Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
- 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.
- Stem Cuttings: If the plant develops a stem, sections can be cut, allowed to callus, and then planted in well-draining soil.
Echeveria peacockii is an elegant and relatively low-maintenance succulent that charms with its silvery foliage and the potential for beautiful pink accents. Its graceful rosette form makes it a delightful addition to any succulent collection, bringing a touch of understated beauty to various indoor and outdoor settings.
* 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.