Calling all succulent and Fanta enthusiasts! Today, I want to introduce you to the succulent variety known as Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta', also called Echeveria Sweet Orange. How does this succulent relate to Fanta orange soda, you ask? Well, let me show you a picture:
This is how Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' looks when it's in its prime state. Doesn't the vibrant orange color resemble a glass of sweet orange drink? Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' belongs to the Crassulaceae family of succulents. Unlike other Echeveria Agavoides varieties with a rugged appearance, its chubby spoon-shaped leaves give it a cuter look. During regular days, it's mostly a subdued green, but come autumn, it gradually turns into a warm orange-red hue. It's safe to say that with Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta', your autumn garden will be vibrant and colorful.
Want to have a sweet orange succulent of your own? Let me share some tips on caring for Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta':
How to Care for Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta'?
Repotting
When your Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' arrives, it's likely thirsty and tired from its online journey. The first thing to do is consider repotting it. Prepare well-draining soil suitable for succulents. As a beginner, you can order professional succulent/cactus mix soil directly. I also recommend adding a 60%-70% gritty soil mix to enhance drainage. Fresh succulent soil in a slightly damp state is ideal for growing new roots (moist but not overly wet). Please choose a suitable pot; my rule of thumb is to select a pot with a diameter 1.5 times larger than the plant, with drainage holes.
Remove the Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' from its nursery pot, remove excess soil, and check for pests and root diseases. You can trim any withered roots slightly (beginners can skip this step). Fill the bottom of the succulent planter with soil, place the plant's roots in the pot (ensure the succulent is suspended in the pot rather than just placed inside), and continue to fill with soil until the pot is full and the roots are covered. You've successfully repotted it.
Watering
Remember not to water immediately after repotting. Give your Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' 5-7 days to acclimate to its new home. Check the soil moisture level (using the toothpick method). Insert a toothpick into multiple spots in the succulent pot; if no moist soil comes out, thoroughly water the succulent. You don't need to constantly monitor whether the succulent needs water; its leaves store water, so even when the soil is completely dry, it won't wilt quickly.
I enjoy spending some time maintaining my succulent garden on weekend mornings, clearing away dead leaves, checking for pests and diseases, and watering. When I notice the leaves of potted succulents becoming soft and wrinkled, I give them a drink.
Sunlight
I prefer to care outdoors for my Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta'. She basks in the garden in full direct sunlight in spring and autumn. I've noticed that Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' Thrives outdoors. I've tried bringing it indoors during the summer, but its leaves and stems started stretching. Last summer, I placed this pot of Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' under the eaves, where it received morning sunlight and shade for the rest of the day. Even then, it remained green but compact.
If you're keeping Echeveria succulents indoors, choose a bright window sill to provide them with indirect sunlight.
You may wonder: 15 Succulents That Uneasy to Go Leggy.
Temperature
Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' loves autumn temperatures! Every year, as autumn approaches, it transforms into an orange succulent. It's not an exaggeration to say that when its color starts to shine, the surrounding succulents pale in comparison. However, it's just green from spring to summer, hinting at what's to come.
If you haven't seen your Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' turn orange, be patient until autumn. Let it grow outdoors, where it can experience ample sunlight and the ideal temperature difference. You'll be amazed by its transformation.
Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' is a soft succulent and can't withstand temperatures below 32℉ (0°C). After a significant loss one winter, I now bring them into a greenhouse before winter sets in.
Pests
Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' is attractive to mealybugs, especially in spring and summer. Mealybugs hide among the dense leaves, making them hard to spot. Be cautious if you notice white insects on the leaves or black excrement. They are feasting on your succulent. Spend some time checking and use tweezers to remove the mealybugs. If the mealybugs is severe, you can spray Neem oil and water on the succulent to repel the pests.
You may wonder: A full guide on molds/spots on succulents.
Propagation
Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' also exhibits clumping tendencies. When I initially bought it as a single-headed plant, it grew into a large cluster after two years. I pruned some branches and shared them with friends interested in succulents, teaching them how to care for them. Fortunately, some of them succeeded. I haven't yet propagated Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' through leaf cuttings, but beheading propagation is viable. If you're interested, this blog provides detailed guidance: How to propagate succulents bu beheading.
Final Words
I recommend adding Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta' to your succulent garden or collection. Like a bottle of Fanta soda, it adds a splash of color! I hope these care tips are helpful to you. Here's to falling in love with Echeveria Agavoides 'Fanta,' just like I have!
