Echeveria subsessilis and Echeveria peacockii are two captivating succulent varieties that garden enthusiasts adore for their unique appearances and easy-to-maintain nature. These rosette-forming plants boast striking leaf colors and textures that make them great additions to indoor and outdoor gardens alike. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two echeveria species and provide helpful insights on how to care for each variety.
Echeveria subsessilis, also known as Morning Beauty or Morning Glory, is a fascinating species with spoon-shaped, blueish-grey leaves that have slightly pointed ends. The powdery coating on its leaves gives it an almost iridescent quality, enhancing its charm as a decorative plant. On the other hand, Echeveria peacockii, sometimes referred to as Echeveria desmetiana, is distinguishable by its silver-blue leaves with reddish margins that form stemless rosettes. It is possible for the succulent plant to reach a maximum height of 4.4 inches in diameter, creating quite an eye-catching focal point.
Both Echeveria subsessilis and Echeveria peacockii share some common growing requirements, such as ample sunlight and well-drained soil. However, their unique features and individual care needs set them apart, making it necessary to learn more about their similarities and contrasts. This knowledge allows you to choose the perfect echeveria for your indoor or outdoor succulent collection and offer them the essential care they need to thrive.
Echeveria Subsessilis: Characteristics and Care
Physical Traits
Echeveria Subsessilis, commonly known as the Morning Beauty Plant, is a small succulent with a rosette growth pattern. Its size typically ranges between 3-4 inches wide and 3 inches tall. The thick, spoon-shaped leaves are purplish-blue to grey in color, with pinkish margins on the tips and edges of the rosette that become more vibrant when exposed to sunlight.
Preferred Environment
This succulent thrives in average room conditions, with humidity levels around 40-50%. During the spring and summer months, Echeveria Subsessilis prefers temperatures between 65 and 80°F (18 – 27°C). In the winter, slightly lower temperatures are ideal. When planted outdoors, it enjoys warm summers with temperatures of at least 19°C.
Light: Like most succulents, Echeveria Subsessilis needs plenty of indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause sunburn on the leaves.
Water: Echeveria Subsessilis requires a mixed soil that is capable of draining well to prevent root rot. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry, and then water thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain. Reduce the frequency of watering during the winter months.
Soil: A well-draining cactus or succulent mix works best for this plant. You can create your own mix by combining equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
Propagation Methods
Echeveria Subsessilis can be propagated using two primary methods: leaf cuttings and offsets.
- Leaf Cuttings: Gently remove a healthy leaf from the plant, ensuring it comes off with a clean break. Allow the leaf to dry for several days, and then place it on top of moist soil in a well-draining pot. Mist the soil, and keep the pot in a bright, indirect sunlight area. After a few weeks, roots and a tiny rosette should develop at the base of the leaf.
- Offsets: Echeveria Subsessilis produces offsets or small rosettes at the base of the mother plant. Gently separate them with a clean and sharp tool. Allow the offset to callous for several days prior to planting it in a mixed soil that is capable of draining well. Water sparingly until the new plant is well-established.
Echeveria Peacockii: Features and Maintenance
Distinct Qualities
Echeveria Peacockii, also known as Mexican Peacock, stands out among succulents due to its attractive rosettes of spoon-shaped, blue-grey leaves. These leaves have blushing red tips which further accentuate its beauty. To add to its charm, the Peacockii can produce lovely pink flowers when given the appropriate care and attention.
This sun-loving succulent generally grows up to 12 inches in height and 6 inches in diameter, making it a perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor garden settings. The Peacockii is also considered to be a fast-growing succulent, which is quite rare among Echeverias.
Habitat Preferences
To ensure the health and optimal growth of Echeveria Peacockii, it’s vital to provide it with the right conditions mimicking its natural habitat preferences. This succulent prefers a warm, sunny environment, ideally full to partial sun. If you plan to grow it indoors, place it in a south- or west-facing window or under a grow light to get as much sunlight as possible.
When planting outdoors, keep in mind that this plant thrives in warmer climates, specifically zone 9b-11b, where the temperature stays above -3.9°C (25°F.) In colder regions, it’s best to plant Peacockii in pots or containers that can be easily moved indoors during the winter months.
Ways to Propagate
Like most Echeverias, propagating Peacockii is a relatively simple task. There are two primary methods of propagation:
- Leaf cutting: Gently remove a healthy leaf from the plant, making sure to retain a portion of the stem. Allow the leaf to dry and callous for several days prior to placing it on soil that is capable of draining well. In a couple of weeks, roots and new growth should begin to develop.
- Offsets: As Echeveria Peacockii matures, it may produce offsets or pups around the base. Carefully separate these offsets from the mother plant and plant them in their own pot with soil that is capable of draining well.
Maintaining a suitable watering schedule is essential for the successful propagation and growth of your Peacockii. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season, water every 7-10 days, and reduce this frequency during winter dormancy. Additionally, fertilizing your Echeveria Peacockii with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength during the growing season will support healthy development.
Comparing Subsessilis and Peacockii
Aesthetic Differences
Echeveria subsessilis and Echeveria peacockii are both beautiful succulent plants, but there are some subtle differences in their appearance. The Echeveria subsessilis features pale gray-green leaves which are narrow at the base and wider near the rounded, acuminate tip. These leaves also have pink margins and prominent ridges running their length. On the other hand, Echeveria peacockii is marked by iridescent silver-blue leaves with reddish margins. The leaves are spoon-shaped with a pointed end, giving the rosette a distinct appearance.
Care Requirements
Both Echeveria subsessilis and Echeveria peacockii share similar care requirements, as they are both sun-loving succulents that need lots of light for healthy growth. When grown indoors, both plants should be given as much light as possible, either placed near a south- or west-facing window or under a grow light. When grown outdoors (especially in hot climates), Echeveria peacockii prefers locations that receive ample sunlight.
In terms of temperature, both subsessilis and peacockii thrive in average room conditions with about 40% to 50% humidity. During spring and summer, indoor temperatures should range from 65 to 80°F (18 – 27°C). In the winter, a slightly lower temperature is ideal for both plants. Echeveria subsessilis specifically enjoys warm summers outdoors, with temperatures of at least 19°C.
Remember that sun exposure, temperature, and humidity are the key elements to consider when caring for these succulents. By providing the appropriate light and temperature conditions, you’ll ensure that both your Echeveria subsessilis and Echeveria peacockii thrive and maintain their beautiful, unique characteristics.
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My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
