Echeveria 'Prince Aurea' is a captivating succulent prized for its stunning golden to yellowish-green foliage that often takes on beautiful rosy or reddish hues along the edges when exposed to sufficient sunlight or cooler temperatures. This hybrid offers a vibrant splash of color and a classic rosette form, making it a highly desirable addition to any succulent collection, bringing a touch of regal beauty.
 
Key Features of Echeveria 'Prince Aurea'
Golden to Yellow-Green Foliage: The primary characteristic is its luminous leaves that range from a bright golden yellow to a softer yellowish-green.
Rosy or Red Edges: When stressed by sunlight or cooler temperatures, the leaf margins often develop attractive pink to reddish tones, enhancing its visual appeal.
Compact Rosette: Typically forms a neat and symmetrical rosette of fleshy, somewhat spoon-shaped leaves.
Farina (Epicuticular Wax): The leaves are often covered in a fine, powdery white coating (farina), giving them a soft, matte finish and providing protection. Handle with care to avoid rubbing it off.
Relatively Small to Medium Size: Generally remains a manageable size, making it suitable for various container arrangements and smaller spaces.
Potential for Offsets: Mature and healthy plants may produce offsets or "chicks" around the base, allowing for easy propagation.
 
Care for Your Echeveria 'Prince Aurea'
Light: Requires bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant coloration and compact growth. To achieve the best golden hues and rosy edges, some direct morning sun or filtered afternoon sun is ideal. Insufficient light can result in greener, less vibrant foliage and stretching (etiolation).
Soil: Needs 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
Protecting Farina: If your 'Prince Aurea' has farina, handle the leaves gently and water from the base to avoid damaging this protective layer.
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.
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 'Prince Aurea', with its radiant golden foliage often kissed with rosy hues, is a truly stunning and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent. Its vibrant coloration and classic rosette form make it a prized addition to any collection, bringing a touch of sunny elegance to indoor and outdoor spaces.
 
 
* 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.