Are you looking for something new and breathtakingly gorgeous to plant in your living room, but are bored with the same old cacti and succulents? If so, Echeveria Apus is the plant for you. These amazing succulents, originally from Mexico’s rocky cliffs, are a stunning addition to any indoor space when in bloom.
This echeveria species has no stems but grows in a dense rosette up to 15 cm in diameter, and its bluish-green leaves are strikingly beautiful.
In case you’re thinking about bringing some of these unusual succulents into your home, here’s all you need to know to get started growing and caring for Echeveria Apus. Therefore, let us get started.
Echeveria Apus Classification
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
- Genus: Echeveria
About:
It is a small succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy, bluish-green leaves. This plant is native to Mexico’s rocky cliffs, and it is a member of the Crassulaceae family.
A cross between Echeveria pulidonis and Echeveria elegans, Echeveria Apus is a unique species. Hybrids are typically less hardy than their parents, especially in cold and shade.
Most species in temperate regions lose their lower leaves each winter, leaving them looking “leggy” and dull. Echeverias, like most succulents, are a staple in the home garden. The rosettes of the Echeveria ‘Apus’ are a vibrant blue-green with a pink tinge around the outside.
Common Name And Synonym
Echeveria Apus is commonly called Blue Echeveria, because of its beautiful blue-green leaves. It is also known by the synonym Sedum Apus.
Native Habitat
This plant is native to Mexico’s rocky cliffs and tends to thrive in a dry, hot climate.
Echeveria Apus Features
Size and Growth Rate:
Echeveria Apus is a small succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy, bluish-green leaves. It grows up to 15 cm in diameter and its leaves are 3-5 cm long. The plant has a slow growth rate.
Flowers and Fragrance:
This plant blooms thin bright yellow flowers in spring. The flowers are born on a thin stalk that rises above the rosette. There is no discernible fragrance or smell in these plants.
Foliage:
Succulent apus comes from the Crassulaceae family of plants. In place of a stem and spines, this plant has a rosette of leaves that can reach a diameter of 15 cm. The succulent spreads via stems and forms mats.
The leaves are fleshy, flat, lanceolate, and somewhat pointed at the apex; they have a silvery green tint and have noticeable crimson borders and tips.
Flowers appear in late spring on tall stalks and are papery and bright yellow; the plant itself changes its color according to sun exposure.
Evergreen and Durable:
Echeveria Apus is an evergreen succulent, meaning it will keep its leaves all year long. The plant is also quite durable and can tolerate some neglect.
Toxicity:
Like all succulents, This plant is also considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Dormancy:
In the colder months, this plant rests or hibernates. During this period, the plant has a lower water requirement. However, you shouldn’t let it get too dry, or the plant will end up dying.
Drought Tolerance:
This Echeveria is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive long periods without water. However, it’s best to water the plant regularly to keep it healthy and prevent it from drying out completely.
Uses:
It is commonly used as an ornamental plant and can be planted in pots, gardens, or as part of a succulent arrangement.
Maintenance:
Echeveria Apus is a low-maintenance plant. It doesn’t require much water or fertilizer and can tolerate some neglect. To keep the plant looking at its best, it’s best to water it regularly and give it a light fertilizer during the growing season.
Echeveria Apus Care
Echeveria Apus is one of the easiest plants to care for. It’s a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much water or fertilizer. The plant is also quite durable and can tolerate some neglect.
To keep the plant looking at its best, here are a few steps that you need to follow.
Quick Care Guide:
| Water | Only when the soil feels dry |
| Light | Bright sunlight |
| Humidity | Average – Low |
| Fertilizer | Only if required |
| Repotting | Larger pot to plant, every 2-3 years |
| Soil | Sandy, well-draining soil |
| Grooming & Pruning | Only when needed |
| Placing | Bright, sunny location |
Water Requirements
Echeveria Apus is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive long periods without water. However, it’s best to water the plant regularly to keep it healthy and prevent it from drying out completely.
The plant should be watered deeply, but allow the soil to dry out between watering. During the winter months, the plant will need even less water.
Fertilizer Requirements
It doesn’t require much fertilizer, but light feeding during the growing season will help keep the plant healthy. Use a succulent fertilizer or a cactus fertilizer and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sun Exposure
The bright, transparent, dispersed light is ideal for growing echeveria apus. Over time, a plant that doesn’t get enough sunlight will become spindly, its tissue will become brittle, and its color will fade. The plant loses its rigidity, turns green and yellow, and succumbs to the disease.
Extreme summer sunlight could potentially scorch its stems and leaves. Exposure to sunlight typically results in stunted development, if any development at all. The shortening of the plant’s overall height is the result of its compact leaf growth and shorter stems.
Many succulents lose their older leaves over the summer months, and their younger, compact leaves take on a bare rod form. To protect your plant from the heat of summer, use a parasol or bring the container indoors.
Soil Requirement
Apus thrive in well-drained, aerated soil. Soil can be conceptualized as having three distinct layers. The three layers are, beginning at the top with the decor layer, the planting layer in the middle, and the hydrophobic layer at the bottom. All of them call for various soil conditions.
Plants can be fixed in place and the soil can be used for decorating after the top deco dirt has been laid over the top. Some of them can protect against germs and bugs.
You should water it when the soil is absolutely dry. White pebble, akadama soil, Kiryu sands, kanuma soil, etc. are only a few of the wide varieties of soil that can be utilized as top deco dirt. Select it for individual planters and containers.
Temperature Requirement
Echeveria apus can handle a wide range of temperatures. They are cold hardy and can survive in chilly weather as long as they are protected from frost. The plant can also tolerate hot weather, but it will need some protection from the intense heat of the midday sun.
Humidity Requirement
Sedum Apus, like other succulents, does not require a particularly humid environment to flourish. Dry circumstances are recommended for this plant’s upkeep, nevertheless.
Pruning Requirement
It does not require pruning, but you can trim off any damaged or dead leaves. If the plant becomes too large, it can be cut back to encourage new growth.
Potting and Repotting Requirement
This species can be planted in a wide range of pots and containers. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. The pot should have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away.
To repot the plant, gently remove it from its current pot and place it in the new one. Backfill the pot with fresh potting mix and water generously. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Placing Requirement
This beautiful succulent can be placed in a wide range of locations. They are ideal for use as houseplants, in succulent gardens, or mixed planters.
When choosing a location for your plant, consider the amount of sunlight it will receive. Echeveria Apus prefers bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate some direct sun. Avoid placing the plant in an area where it will receive too much direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.
Echeveria Apus Propagation
Echeveria Apus can be propagated from seed, offsets, or leaf cuttings.
To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix and cover them with a thin layer of sand. Place the container in indirect sunlight and keep the soil slightly damp. After two to four weeks, the seeds will sprout.
Offsets can be removed from the parent plant and planted in their pots. water the offsets generously after planting and keep them in a warm, sunny location. The offsets will root in two to four weeks.
To propagate from leaf cuttings, cut a healthy leaf from the plant and allow it to callous over for a few days. Plant the leaf in well-drained soil and keep it moist, but not wet. The leaf will produce a new plant in two to four weeks.
Pests and Diseases
Apus is a tough plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, mealybugs, aphids, and scale can be problems. These pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases are not common, but the plant can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. If you suspect your plant has root rot, stop watering it and let the soil dry out completely. Remove any affected roots and replant the plant in well-drained soil.
Conclusion
Echeveria apus is a beautiful succulent that is perfect for use in a wide range of locations. With its attractive rosettes and tolerant nature, this plant is sure to add a touch of beauty to any space.
