Succulent echeverias are the top choice for any indoor space. They are renowned for their stunning appearance and vivid coloration. But are you curious about a succulent that is both rare and stunning?
Presenting echeveria runyonii San Carlos – one of the most sought-after and hard-to-come-by succulents in existence. Mesmerizing rosette with lovely greyish-blue leaves and pinkish tips characterizes this Mexican native. Its pink or white blossoms are a visual delight in the spring and summer.
The echeveria runyonii San Carlos is a slow grower. The mature plant can attain a size of up to 12 inches in diameter. When young, they form a tight rosette. With maturity, the leaves loosen up and the plant develops an open, sprawling habit.
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos Classification
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Subfamily: Sampervivoideae
- Genus: Echeveria
About:
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos is one of the rarest and winsome forms of Echeveria succulents known to the world. It is a part of the Echeveria genus which is composed of about 150 species of flowering plants.
The plant is a slow-growing succulent that forms a beautiful rosette with attractive, bluish-gray leaves and pink tips. It is endemic to San Carlos in Mexico from where it derives its name.
The plant blooms in the spring and summer seasons. The flowers are white or pink in color and look extremely lovely against the backdrop of the foliage.
Native to rocky cliffs in Mexico, the Echeveria runyonii succulent was discovered in the wild by the Yucca Do Nursery in 1990. It was named after Dr. Runyon, who transported a Mexican garden specimen to the United States in the early 1900s.
Common Names and Synonyms
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos is also popularly known by the following names – Mexican Hens and Chicks, Blue Echeveria, and Gray-Blue Echeveria.
The plant is commonly confused with the related species – Echeveria shaviana, because of their similarities in appearance. However, the two plants can be differentiated by their flower clusters. The flowers of E. shaviana are yellow or orange in color while those of E. runyonii are pink or white.
Features of Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos
Size and Growth Habit:
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos is a slow-growing succulent. A single plant can take about 5 to 10 years to reach its full growth potential.
When young, the plants form a tight rosette. With maturity, the leaves loosen up and the plant develops an open, sprawling habit. The size of a fully-grown plant is about 12” inches in diameter.
Foliage:
The most striking feature of this succulent is its lovely leaves. The bluish-gray leaves have a waxy texture and are adorned with beautiful pink tips. The rosette-shaped leaves grow up to 4” inches in length.
Root System:
The plant has a shallow root system which makes it easy to transplant.
Flowers and Fragrance:
The plant blooms in the spring and summer seasons. The flowers are white or pink in color and look extremely lovely against the backdrop of the foliage.
Each flower stalk bears about 5 to 10 blossoms. Like most succulents, echeveria runyonii San Carlos doesn’t have any prominent smell.
Lifespan:
The plant has a lifespan of about 5 to 10 years.
Toxicity:
The plant is not poisonous and can be safely grown around children and pets.
Maintenance:
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos is a low-maintenance plant. It doesn’t require any special care or attention and can be easily grown indoors or outdoors. However, the plant should be transplanted every 2 to 3 years to ensure proper and ideal growth.
Dormancy:
The plant goes into dormancy during the winter season. During this time, the growth of the plant slows down and it doesn’t require much water. But make sure not to let it dry out entirely or it won’t survive.
Drought Tolerance:
It is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive long periods without water. However, it’s important to water the plant regularly during the growing season to ensure proper growth.
Uses:
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos is mostly grown for its ornamental value. The plant makes an excellent addition to any succulent collection. It can be planted in pots, containers, gardens, or outdoor landscapes. The plant is also used as a ground cover or in rock gardens.
Hardiness Zone:
The plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11.
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos Care
Quick Care Guide:
| Water | Only when soil is completely dry |
| Light | Bright, direct sunlight |
| Humidity | Average – Low Humidity |
| Fertilizer | Once in a growing season |
| Repotting | Larger pot to plant, every 2-3 years |
| Soil | A moist, well-draining soil |
| Grooming & Pruning | Only when needed |
| Placing | A bright and airy place |
Water Requirements
Because of its succulent nature, Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos doesn’t need to be watered very often. Be sure to wait until the soil is totally dry before giving the plant any water.
To check if the soil is still damp, insert a finger into the container for about an inch. If the soil is absolutely dry, the plant needs watering. As a general rule, water the plant once every seven days during the growing season. However, overwatering might cause root rot, so take care not to do that. Every two to three weeks is sufficient watering during the winter.
Light Requirements
The plant grows best in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. If the plant is grown indoors, place it near a sunny window, or balcony.
For outdoors, you can place it in a basket and hang it on the portico, or somewhere in the garden.
Though this plant thrives in direct sunlight, do not expose it to the scorching light for more than 5-6 hours, or it will have its leaves wilted.
Soil Requirement
Since Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos thrives in cracks and crevices in rocky outcroppings, this plant needs gritty, quick-draining soil. Use a container with drainage holes while planting.
Choose a sandy soil, such as a potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti, with a pH greater than 7.0.
Fertilizer Requirement
This plant does not need a lot of fertilizer. Fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a succulent fertilizer or a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. It is better to under-fertilize this plant than overdo it.
Temperature Requirement
This plant is not frosted tolerant, so keep it away from cold drafts. During the winter season, when the plant is dormant, the temperature should be around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity Requirement
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos doesn’t have any specific humidity requirements. However, the plant grows best in dry conditions with low humidity.
Potting and Repotting Requirement
The plant can be easily transplanted into a new pot or container.
- Be sure to use a pot or container with drainage holes.
- Transplant the plant in early spring before it starts its active growth period.
- Choose a pot or container that is only one size larger than the current one.
- To transplant, gently remove the plant from its current pot or container. Carefully loosen the roots and replant them in the new pot or container.
- Fill the pot or container with well-draining succulent soil. Water the plant lightly and keep it moist until it has rooted in its new pot or container.
Pruning Requirement
The plant can be pruned in early spring before it starts its active growth period. To prune, simply cut off the desired amount of plant with a sharp knife or garden shears. Be sure to disinfect the tools before and after use.
Allow the cuttings to be callous for a few days before planting them in well-draining succulent soil. Water the soil lightly and keep it moist until the cuttings have rooted.
Placing Requirement
This plant prefers bright indirect light and will thrive either indoors or outdoor. If you want to put the plant outside, pick a spot where it will get between partial and full sun.
Choose a spot in your home that gets lots of indirect sunlight if you’re going to be keeping the plant there. The plant will also thrive on a bright, sunny windowsill.
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos Propagation
The plant can be easily propagated from offsets or cuttings.
To propagate from offsets, gently remove the offset from the main plant with a sharp knife or garden shears. Be sure to disinfect the tools before and after use.
Allow the offset to be callous for a few days before planting it in well-draining succulent soil.
To propagate from cuttings, take a stem cutting from the plant with a sharp knife or garden shears. Again, be sure to disinfect the tools before and after use.
Allow the cutting to be callous for a few days before planting it in well-draining succulent soil. Water the soil lightly and keep it moist until the cutting has rooted.
Pests and Diseases
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot.
Insects known as mealybugs feed on the sap of plants and are very tiny and white in color. A cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol is all that’s needed to keep them at bay.
Spider mites are tiny, red, or black spiders that spin webs on the plant. They can be controlled with a strong spray of water.
Root rot is a disease that is caused by overwatering. It can be controlled by well-draining soil and not watering the plant too often.
Conclusion
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos is a beautiful succulent that is easy to care for. It’s a great plant for beginners and can be placed either indoors or outdoor.
The plant prefers bright indirect light and well-draining soil. It’s important not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot.
Echeveria Runyonii San Carlos is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot. With proper care, this plant will thrive and provide you with beautiful succulent blooms.
