Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:57 am
Blue bird echeveria, or blue bird plant, is an attractive succulent houseplant that’s easy to care for and can provide year-round greenery to brighten your home or office. If you’re looking to add some color to your indoor spaces without worrying about adding too much moisture, the Blue Bird plant will be your new best friend!
The blue bird plant is an excellent, low-maintenance houseplant that will add lovely, colorful patterns to your home or office decor.
It’s an attractive and striking houseplant with deep blue leaves that look very different from other echeverias available today.
Origin and distribution
The Echeveria blue bird is native to Mexico and can be found in the wild in semi-desert regions. It’s a popular plant in gardens and as a houseplant because of its attractive blue-green leaves.
The plant gets its name from its blue flowers, which bloom in the spring. It will only grow in dry climates. If you want your echeveria blue bird to stay healthy, water it sparingly and fertilize it only once every three months with a general fertilizer such as flower food or Miracle Gro.
Echeveria blue bird propagation
To propagate, or produce more plants from a single parent plant, echeveria blue bird can be grown from leaf or stem cuttings. When taking a leaf cutting, make sure to choose a healthy leaf from the base of the plant that has not yet flowered.
Cut the leaf in half lengthwise with a sharp knife or scissors and then place the cut side down onto well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not soggy until new growth appears.
With stem cuttings, use a clean knife or pruning shears to make a straight cut at an angle just below where leaves attach to the main stem. The lower leaves should remain on the cutting as they will help protect it while it establishes roots.
The new plant should develop at the same height as its parent plant was before being cut off.
Echeveria blue bird care information
The Echeveria blue bird is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for succulent. This plant is perfect for those who want to add a touch of the outdoors to their home without having to worry about too much maintenance.
Here are some general care tips for the Echeveria blue bird:
Light requirement
Echeveria blue bird requires bright light to maintain its vibrant color. However, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch. It’s best to provide filtered light or grow echeveria blue bird under an open canopy. If you live in a hot climate, afternoon shade is essential. In the winter months, consider moving your plant outdoors for the morning sun and inside during the day.
Soil/potting mix
A well-draining soil is a must for echeveria, as they are susceptible to root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix will do the trick, or you can make your own by mixing two parts perlite or coarse sand with one part of potting soil.
You’ll also need a pot with a drainage hole to help excess water escape. Like most succulents, echeverias don’t like their roots sitting in stagnant water, so drainage holes are key. Echeverias grow best in warm temperatures and need plenty of sunlight.
Watering
The blue bird plant is a succulent, so it does not require much water. In fact, too much water can be harmful to the plant. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Water about once a week or as needed. You can tell if your blue bird plant needs water by examining the leaves. When they are drooping, then it’s time for some moisture! Don’t worry if you forget to water for awhile though; this plant will still thrive.
Fertilizer
Echeveria blue bird is a beautiful succulent that is perfect for adding a splash of color to your home. This plant is easy to care for and doesn’t require much fertilizer. However, if you want to keep your plant healthy and looking its best, it’s important to fertilize it every few months.
There are many different types of fertilizer on the market today, so be sure to do some research before choosing one for your echeveria blue bird. If you are unsure about which type of fertilizer to use, contact your local garden center or a plant expert.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for blue bird plants is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate lower temperatures, but their growth will be stunted. If the temperature gets too high, the leaves will start to turn brown and wilt.
Humidity
Echeveria blue bird thrives in high humidity environments. If you live in an area with low humidity, you can create a humid environment for your plant by placing it on a pebble tray filled with water. The water will evaporate and increase the humidity around the plant. You can also mist your plant regularly to help increase the humidity.
The ideal humidity range is between 40-70%. To determine whether your humidity levels are too low or too high, simply check the leaves of your plant. If they’re turning yellow or brown, you need more moisture in the air. Conversely, if they’re turning red or purplish, there’s too much moisture in the air.
Pruning
You can prune your echeveria blue bird plant to keep it looking its best. Pruning will also help the plant to produce more flowers. To prune, simply cut off any dead or dying leaves. You can also trim back any leggy growth. Echeverias are succulents so you should allow them to dry out between waterings.
The soil should be very well-drained and never allowed to sit in water. When watering makes sure that you pour water on the soil, not on the plants themselves as this could cause rot and pests.
If you are growing a red echeveria variety make sure that you avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this may lead to sunburns and sunscalding which will kill your plant quickly!
When to repot
Repotting is best done in the spring before the plant starts putting out new growth. If your plant is looking cramped in its pot, or if you see roots coming out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot. Gently remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. If they’re circling the pot or tightly compacted, it’s time for a new home.
Choose a pot that’s only an inch or two wider than the current one. Mix up some fresh potting soil and use a trowel to create a space deep enough for the root ball. Tuck the plant into this new space, making sure not to damage any of the roots, then slowly add more soil until it reaches about 1 below the rim of the pot.
Tamp down on top with your fingers to secure everything into place. The key thing to remember when repotting plants is never to bury the leaves. Use a small hand towel as a sling and carefully pick up the potted plant.
Carefully lower it into its new container so that most of the old potting mix remains inside, then give it several gentle pats on top. Finally, water thoroughly!
Dormancy/Winter rest
Echeveria blue bird plants enter a state of dormancy or winter rest during the fall and winter months. During this time, they will stop growing and their leaves will begin to turn red or brown.
To care for your plant during this time, it is important to reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. You should also move your plant to a cooler location if possible.
Once spring arrives, your plant will begin to grow again and its leaves will return to their normal color. However, be sure not to over-water your plant once you resume watering because overwatering can cause root rot and other issues.
Flowers & fragrance
The flowers of the Echeveria blue bird are a beautiful sky blue color. They are very fragrant and have a sweet, citrusy smell. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer and are a great addition to any garden.
Growth rate
The growth rate of the blue bird plant is relatively slow when compared to other plants. However, with proper care, this plant can grow up to two feet tall. The blue bird plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. When watering, be sure to keep the leaves dry to prevent rot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Toxicity
The Echeveria blue bird plant is not toxic to humans or animals. However, the sap of the plant can cause skin irritation in some people. If you come into contact with the sap, wash the area with soap and water. The plant is also known to cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested, so it’s best to keep it away from pets and small children.
USDA hardiness zones
Echeveria blue bird thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. The more light it receives, the more vibrant the color of its flowers will be. It prefers well-drained soil and a dry environment.
Pests and diseases
Echeveria blue bird is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for beginning succulent growers. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to pests and diseases. The most common problems with echeveria blue bird are mealybugs, scale insects, and root rot.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap out of plants. Scale insects are brown or black and attach themselves to the stems of plants. Root rot occurs when the roots of a plant grow in wet soil, which can lead to decay.
To avoid these potential issues, place your echeveria blue bird in well-draining soil and keep it away from too much water. Additionally, inspect your plant regularly for signs of any pests or diseases.
