Last updated on September 11th, 2023 at 02:30 am
Echeveria runyonii ‘topsy turvi’ is an interesting plant because it has a unique leaf shape that is unlike any other echeverias. The leaves are wide, flat, and heart-shaped with scalloped edges. They grow in the ground, but can also be grown as a hanging plant if you want to make them look more like echeverias.
Echeverias are beautiful plants that are native to Mexico. They come in many different colors and shapes, but the echeveria runyonii is one of the most popular varieties. This echeveria plant has a thick stem with waxy leaves that grow outwards horizontally. The echeveria runyonii can be grown indoors or outdoors depending on your climate zone, so it’s important to know how best to care for this echeveria variety before you buy it!
This post will give you all of the care tips for echeveria runyonii so that your plant will thrive!
Origin and description
Echeveria runyonii is native to Mexico and can be found growing on rocks in the wild. The echeveria plant has a rosette of greenish-gray leaves that look like they have been painted or varnished with silver dots decorating their tips, giving it a shimmering effect. This striking succulent plant is quite similar to Echeveria agavoides, but it has a more rounded leaf shape and the ends are more pointed.
Echeveria runyonii care needs
There’s one thing that many people don’t know about this type of plant – it can have different care needs depending on its variety! Getting to know the specific growing tips and requirements is important so you can give your Echeveria Runyonii all the care it needs to thrive. After all, these plants are so beautiful and rare – you’ll want them to be healthy!
Echeveria runyonii care and growing tips
Echeverias are a beautiful succulent that grow in tight rosettes. Some varieties of this plant even have leaves with pink or purple edges! Because they can be so gorgeous to look at, they are a popular plant for succulent lovers.
Light requirements
Echeveria runyonii plants require bright, filtered light. Place them in a west- or south-facing window for the best results. If growing indoors under artificial lighting, place your echeverias below fluorescent lights and keep them about six inches away from the tops of the leaves (the distance will vary depending on which type of light you use).
Soil/potting mix
Echeveria runyonii does well in potting soil that is not too heavy or rich. This succulent plant prefers soils with lower levels of organic material and high sand content, such as cactus mix. It can also adapt to other light potting mixes like African violet potting mix, but should still be avoided completely if the goal is to grow this plant in soil that contains a high percentage of organic material like peat or bark.
Echeveria runyonii and Echeveria derenbergii hybrids do well with a cactus or succulent blend soil mix (be sure to use potting soil [not garden soil when repotting your plants). If you are using regular potting soil, use about two-thirds of the bag to make your mixture.
Watering
Watering echeveria runyonii can be a little tricky because it needs to dry out between waterings. This succulent should only be watered when the soil is completely dried out. If you are unsure, giving your plant an occasional light mist or two will help keep the leaves hydrated while you wait for the soil to dry. If you water too much, your plant may experience root rot or fungus problems that can cause its leaves to fall off and die.
When the top layer of soil is dry to touch, it needs water. It cannot tolerate over-watering and will rot if kept in a constantly wet environment or if left sitting in water. Place this succulent on a well-drained potting mix that holds moisture but drains quickly such as cactus mix with extra perlite mixed in.
Fertilizer
Echeveria runyonii is a succulent plant that doesn’t need rich soil or lots of fertilizer. A small amount of high-phosphorous (P) time-released organic fertilizer will give it an extra boost if you decide to use one, but keep in mind this may burn the leaves. If your echeveria runyonii is turning yellow, it may be an indication that you’re using too much fertilizer.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for this type of succulent is between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the day with a drop to about 40 degrees at night. However, Runyonii will tolerate temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit when dormant if given protection from frost or snow in colder climates. It needs good light without direct sunlight which can damage its leaves.
Humidity
Try to keep the humidity level around your echeveria as high as possible. Echeverias are a desert plant and therefore will struggle if exposed to very dry, hot conditions. If you have an indoor succulent garden it helps to place a humidifier in that area of the home or office.
The ideal humidity range is between 40% and 60%. If the humidity level is below 30%, it can lead to water stress.
When you look at your echeveria, if its leaves are rolled inwards or there is a wrinkled appearance, then that means they need more moisture.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary when you notice that the leaves are getting too close to each other. It will allow the plant to get more sun, which in turn will produce better colors and healthier plants. If your echeveria runyonii becomes leggy, meaning there’s hardly any rosette on top of a long stem, feel free to remove the top half.
Staking
You can stake your echeveria runyonii if it starts falling or tilting over for one reason or another. It may be due to windy conditions, so placing them in an area with more protection is best as well as staking them.
When to repot an Echeveria Runyonii?
The first sign that you need to repot an echeveria is if the roots have begun growing out of its drainage hole. At this point, it’s time to move up from a smaller pot or clay pot into something bigger and with more depth. If your plant has become root bound, you should use a clay pot to increase the amount of soil and space available. When repotting an echeveria into something bigger with more depth, make sure that the hole is around twice as deep as your plant’s current roots.
Dormancy
It is important to know that most echeverias are dormant in the winter. They go into a deep sleep, called dormancy. Dormant succulents should not be watered during this time period! If you water your plant then, it will likely rot and die. Wait until spring when new growth appears before watering again.
Flowers & Fragrance
The echeveria runyonii is not really known for its flowers, which are usually white and small. The plant does produce a sweet fragrance that may even attract bees to it.
Growth rate
Echeveria runyonii is a slow to medium grower. It does not like growing too fast and will produce long stems with few leaves when it’s grown in rich soil or has been overfed. If the plant has plenty of sun, water, and fertilizer, then it can become an attractive specimen that looks good all year round.
The plant is often grown as a houseplant and can live for decades with the right care.
Toxicity
Echeveria runyonii may be toxic to dogs and cats, but not humans. Echeveria runyonii is also non-toxic for horses and cattle as well as some other farm animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, and rabbits.
Leaves and flowers of Echeveria runyonii are non-toxic for fish, birds, lizards and other small pets. However, large quantities may cause vomiting or diarrhea in these animals so avoid over-feeding them with leaves or flowers from this succulent plant.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Echeveria runyonii is a rosette-forming succulent that grows well in USDA hardiness zones seven through ten.
Pests and diseases
Echeveria is prone to pests and diseases, especially in warm climates. They may develop root rot if overwatered or infected with fungi. Insects that feed on echeverias include mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and thrips. Sooty mold is a common problem caused by a fungus growing on honeydew secreted by aphids and other sucking insects.
Conclusion
Echeveria runyonii is an easy plant to grow. They do need a lot of sunlight and good drainage though, so they may not be suitable for many common indoor setups.
