potted_plant
Echeveria care requirements
water
Every 2–4 weeks. Allow to dry completely. 'Soak and dry' method.
soil
Gritty cactus or succulent mix.
light
Full sun to bright indirect light. 6+ hours ideal.
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Echeveria
Blackening and softening where the rosette meets the stem or soil, sometimes causing the whole rosette to detach and fall over despite otherwise healthy-looking leaves.
help
Common causes in Echeveria
Stem rot fungi thrive in prolonged moisture, which is a particular risk if water collects in the central rosette or the soil stays wet beyond Echeveria's normal 2–4 week drying cycle.
healing
How to treat stem rot in Echeveria
Remove affected tissue with a sterilised blade back to firm, healthy growth, let the cut callus over for a day or two, and re-root the healthy rosette in fresh gritty mix.
shield
Preventing stem rot in Echeveria
Avoid watering into the central rosette, water only every 2–4 weeks once soil is fully dry, and use a gritty, fast-draining mix.