Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:57 am
Echeveria blue waves is probably one of the easiest succulents to grow, but it still needs some basic care in order to thrive. This echeveria succulent is a great addition to any collection and if you provide it with the right conditions, it will reward you with striking colors and shapes!
The blue waves echeveria plants are one of the most popular echeveria varieties due to their stunning bluish-green, wavy-edged leaves that slowly transform from green to an attractive blue color as they age.
Although this variety is easy to grow, there are some tips and tricks that will help ensure your echeveria gets the best care and color possible.
Echeveria blue waves propagation
Echeveria blue waves are best propagated by leaf cuttings. To do this, carefully remove a leaf from the plant and allow it to callous over for a few days. Once the leaf is dry, insert it into the moistened potting mix.
Keep the soil moist but not wet and in a few weeks, you should see new growth. You can also propagate echeveria blue waves by division. Divide the clumps when they become overcrowded, pulling them apart with your hands or cutting them apart with a sharp knife.
Plant each division in an individual container with plenty of room and keep it well-watered. It will take at least two years before echeveria blue waves will bloom again. In the meantime, enjoy their beautiful foliage year-round!
Echeveria blue waves care information
Echeveria blue waves are a type of succulent that is native to Mexico. They are drought tolerant and can survive in low light conditions. To care for your echeveria blue waves, water them about once a week and make sure they are in a well-draining pot.
Light requirement
These plants do best in bright, indirect sunlight. If you live in a hot climate, they’ll appreciate some afternoon shade. Your echeveria will tell you if it’s getting too much sun by developing brown patches on its leaves.
Too little sun will cause the leaves to stretch and become pale. Too much direct light may result in brown spots or leaves curling up at the edges. In either case, move your plant away from any harsh light sources.
Soil/potting mix
Echeveria blue waves need a well-draining soil mix. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal, or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and sand.
Be sure to use pots with drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water. These plants also require bright light and ample airflow.
Watering
Echeveria blue waves are a type of succulent that does best with infrequent watering. When you do water, make sure to thoroughly soak the soil and then allow it to dry out completely before watering again.
These plants are drought tolerant and can handle long periods without water, but they will start to look unhealthy if they’re not watered at least every few weeks. If the leaves start to wrinkle or the plant starts to look overall stressed, it’s time to give it a good drink.
Fertilizer
Echeveria blue waves are a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in low light conditions. These tough plants are easy to care for, but they do need some occasional fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content to avoid leaf burn.
Fertilize your echeveria blue waves every two to four weeks during the growing season and monthly during the winter. The exception is if you live in an area where frost is common, fertilizing less often will help the plant retain its color.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for echeveria blue waves is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees, the leaves will start to turn red or brown. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will start to wilt and fall off.
Humidity
Echeveria blue waves do best in moderate to high humidity environments. If your home is on the drier side, you can increase the humidity around your plant by grouping it with other plants, running a humidifier, or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water. Take care not to overwater your echeveria blue waves, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.
The ideal humidity range is between 50% and 80%. Lower than 50% will cause leaves to dry out and curl, while higher than 80% may result in the development of fungal diseases.
When planting an echeveria blue waves outside during warmer months, take care that the soil does not dry out or become baked under the hot sun; its shallow roots will require regular watering for survival.
Pruning
When your echeveria blue waves start to grow leggy, it’s time to give it a good pruning. This will help encourage new growth and keep your plant looking its best. To prune, simply cut off the leggy stems at the base.
You can also remove any dead or damaged leaves. Be sure to use sharp, clean shears to avoid damaging the plant. You can either lay the leaves out on a tray for drying or put them in an airtight container to be added as mulch to your garden.
If you do dry them, be sure not to leave them in direct sunlight for long periods of time because they will eventually turn brown and crispy.
When to repot
Repotting is typically done every two to three years, or when the plant has outgrown its pot. To repot, gently remove the plant from its current pot and place it in a new pot that is only slightly larger. Be sure to use well-draining cactus or succulent mix and water thoroughly.
If there are any damaged roots, cut them off as close to the base of the plant as possible. Place at least one inch of small stones at the bottom of your container before adding soil so that you create some air space under your pot’s drainage holes.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Echeveria blue waves care is pretty simple. This plant is semi-dormant in winter and doesn’t need much water. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to bring your plant indoors during the winter months.
Echeveria blue waves are not frost tolerant and can suffer damage if exposed to freezing temperatures. Make sure to provide them with plenty of light. In nature, these plants grow on rocky cliffs and as such, they do best when grown in an open well-drained potting mix that will allow for good air circulation.
Avoid any fertilizer that contains ammonium or nitrates as these compounds will cause the leaves to lose their natural deep green color. You should fertilize only once every 6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half (half strength).
You should also be careful about watering this plant too often because it has shallow roots and can be easily toppled over. It prefers being kept moist but not wet at all times so don’t worry about overwatering this beautiful succulent.
Flowers & fragrance
The flowers of the echeveria blue waves are very fragrant. They have a strong smell that can be detected from a distance.
The fragrance is very sweet and pleasant, and it can linger in the air for a long time. The flowers are also very beautiful, and they come in a variety of colors.
Growth rate
Echeveria blue waves have a moderate growth rate. They will grow about 6 inches a year. If you live in an area with a longer growing season, they may grow up to 8 inches a year. With proper care, they can live for several years and reach a height of 2-3 feet.
Toxicity
Echeveria blue waves are not toxic to humans or animals. However, they can cause skin irritation in some people. If you experience any irritation, wash the area with soap and water. These plants are also mildly poisonous if ingested, so keep them out of reach of children and pets.
USDA hardiness zones
Echeveria blue waves thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 10b-11. However, they will survive in warmer climates such as zone 9. They are perfect for both indoor and outdoor gardens, with full sun or partial shade exposure.
Pests and diseases
Echeveria blue waves are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and root rot. To prevent pests and diseases, water your echeveria blue waves regularly and keep them in a well-ventilated area.
If you notice any pests or diseases, treat them immediately with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. In particular, overwatering and poor drainage often lead to root rot.
Make sure the potting mix is moist but not wet and that the plant is not sitting in standing water. Prune off any dead leaves and yellowing foliage as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection.
You may also use a diluted bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water) to clean up infected areas on either stems or leaves. Fungicides containing copper can help prevent root rot from developing by protecting roots from fungi and other microorganisms.
