Echeveria Choux Cream, also known as Echeveria 'Cream Puff', is a rare succulent originating from Korea. The name might conjure images of delectable cream puffs, but don't be tempted to take a bite! Unwrap its chubby, succulent form, a sight truly too charming to resist.
Upon closer examination, the leaves of Echeveria Choux Cream reveal a distinctive shape, setting it apart from other Echeveria succulents. It is said to inherit the outwardly curving leaves of its parent, Echeveria runyonii cv 'Topsy Turvy'. The outward-curving leaves of Echeveria Choux Cream exhibit a pronounced convexity in the center, lending it a plump and compact appearance.
During its phase of exuberant growth, the leaves of Echeveria Choux Cream achieve a delightful fullness, transitioning from creamy whites to soft yellows or pale pinks. Join us in exploring the art of nurturing this lovely succulent, and witness how it transforms into a succulent art.
How to Care for Echeveria Choux Cream
Sunlight
Unlike other succulent plants, Echeveria Choux Cream tends to be leggy and etiolated more quickly, making ample sunlight a necessity. Providing sufficient light means giving your succulent 6-7 hours of sunshine daily. These spots typically offer a perfect setting, whether on an outdoor terrace or an indoor windowsill. However, to shield your Echeveria Choux Cream from scorching, especially during the summer or in locales with intense midday sun, consider using a 40%-50% shade cloth. In winter, provide indoor succulents with growth lights to keep them thriving.
Temperature
Echeveria Choux Cream thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (15-25℃). Depending on your local temperature, you can let your Echeveria Choux Cream experience the natural temperature fluctuations outdoors, transforming it into a delightful pink cream puff. However, when winter brings temperatures below 40°F (5 ℃), getting your succulent indoors is essential to shield it from frost.
Watering
Follow the "soak and dry" method when watering your Echeveria Choux Cream. As long as the succulent's roots are healthy, a telltale sign for watering is when you notice the leaves starting to wrinkle. Then, please give it a good, hearty drink, and watch as your Echeveria Choux Cream plumps right back up. Be cautious with watering to prevent excessive growth and potential rot during the summer. It's best to extend the watering intervals to once a month.
Propagation
While Echeveria Choux Cream may have its quirks in care, its vitality shines through its remarkable propagation capabilities. It's effortless for beginners to try their hand at propagating this succulent, and it's best done through leaf cuttings. In about a week during the spring or fall seasons, you'll witness a profusion of roots sprouting, often accompanied by clusters of new offsets.
You may want to know: how to propagate succulents from leaves?
Soil
Embracing well-draining soil, 2-inch Echeveria Choux Cream thrives best in commercial cactus mix. However, Echeveria Choux Cream will grow clusters and develop corking to become a succulent tree form. Opt for a mix that's 20% cactus soil and 80% gritty components like perlite, pumice, and zeolite. This tailored concoction encourages optimal drainage, ensuring the roots flourish and the succulent thrives in its distinctive form.
Planter pots
The size of the pot can indeed influence the size of the succulent, Echeveria Choux Cream is known for its leisurely growth. Therefore, opt for a small pot that suits this little plant perfectly. Additionally, take into account the importance of drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Proper drainage is crucial for most succulent plants' overall health and well-being.
FAQs
Q1: How to Keep Plump Leaves of Echeveria Choux Cream
Firstly, it's all about the light. If you've been tending to it on an indoor windowsill and notice elongated leaves, indicating a less-than-robust state, consider relocating it outdoors. During summer, provide moderate shade to prevent overexposure, ensuring succulent basks in the morning sun while avoiding harsh afternoon rays. Secondly, watering, if you observe any wrinkling or lack of fullness in the leaves, a good drink of water will do wonders to revive them.
Q2: How to Grow Echeveria Choux Cream into a Cluster Succulent Tree
The first, adhering to nature's course, allows the Echeveria Choux Cream to increase naturally, while its stem slowly transforms into woodier material. This method relies on the passage of time. On the other hand, the second approach involves more human intervention. By carefully removing lower leaves, you stimulate the growth point, encouraging the emergence of new offsets and achieving that delightful clustered appearance. Providing the right nutrients can also accelerate succulent growth, leading to taller stems and an overall tree-like appearance.