Echeveria Longissima, native to Mexico has set succulent enthusiasts abuzz with its bold and captivating hues. Thanks to its untamed, vibrant colors, this rare succulent has carved a niche for itself.

The serene grayish-green leaves boast captivating crimson edges. What truly steals the show are the deep-red spots, unfurling from the margins towards the heart of the leaf. Echeveria Longissima‘s waxy, inverted-egg-shaped leaves delicately curl outwards, lending elegance to the succulent plants.

Echeveria Longissima is often renowned for its easy-to-care nature and an array of hybrid varieties. Now let’s explore how to care for Echeveria Longissima:

How to care for Echeveria Longissima

Sunlight: 4-6 hours full to filter sunlight
Water: Soak and dry, once every 1-2 weeks
Soil: Well-drained succulent potting soil
Pot: A pot with drainage holes 10% larger than the succulent
Temperature: 50-80°F is ideal
Propagation: behead and leaf cuttings
Succulent variant: Echeveria longissima var. aztatlensis; Echeveria longissima var. brachyantha; Echeveria Longissima var. Bumps

Sunlight

Echeveria Longissima possesses a unique penchant for sunlight. As the intensity of light increases, the edges of its leaves deepen into a rich crimson hue, and charming speckles emerge. A south-facing window or a well-lit spot on a patio is ideal. Be cautious in extremely hot climates. Too much direct sun, especially during peak hours, can lead to sunburn. Provide some shade, use a shade cloth to filter the sunlight.

Watering

Echeveria Longissima, like many succulents, has specific watering needs to thrive. Rather than sticking to a strict calendar, let the plant's needs dictate your watering frequency. When lifting the potted succulent, if it feels noticeably lighter, or if you insert a finger or tool into the soil and it feels completely dry, it's time to water. Keep an eye out for signs of stress. Wrinkled or shriveled leaves may indicate underwatering, while yellowing, translucent leaves could indicate overwatering. Click here to learn how to save underwatered succulents.

Soil

Echeveria Longissima thrives when planted in well-draining soil. Typically, a cactus and succulent potting soil is ideal for nurturing your Echeveria Longissima. In regions with high humidity, you can create a suitable succulent soil blend using the following ratio: 8 parts perlite, 1 part peat moss, 1 part coconut coir, and a dash of fertilizer. This soil provides both aeration and rich nutrients, fostering the best conditions for your Echeveria Longissima's growth.

Pot

Given Echeveria Longissima's small size and slow growth, opt for a pot that provides enough space for its roots to thrive. A container approximately 10% larger than the plant ensures ample room for growth without overwhelming it. Always choose a planter pot with a drainage hole at the bottom. This allows excess water to escape, preventing waterlogged roots and ensuring the plant's overall health.

Temperature

Creating the right environment for your Echeveria Longissima is key to its health and vibrancy. Echeveria Longissima thrives in temperatures between 50 and 80°F. This range provides the perfect conditions for its healthy development. In conditions below 40°F, it's advisable to cease watering. Keep the soil in the pot dry and implement insulation measures to protect your succulent from the cold.

Propagation

One of the delightful aspects of growing Echeveria Longissima is its ease of propagation. This adds enjoyment to the planting process. Propagation can be achieved through leaf cuttings and beheading. Since Echeveria Longissima seldom forms offsets, beheading is typically reserved for rescuing succulents with root rot rather than for propagation. The most common method is leaf propagation. Below are the steps for propagating through leaf cuttings:

1. Choose healthy leaves from the Echeveria Longissima plant.

2. Place the selected leaves in a dry, shaded area for 1-2 days.

3. Fill a shallow tray or pot with well-draining succulent soil. Make sure the soil is slightly damp.

4. Gently press the callused end of each leaf into the soil.

5. Lightly mist the soil occasionally to maintain a slightly damp environment.

6. Place the propagation tray in an area with indirect sunlight.

7. In 2-3 weeks, its roots will grow from the callused end of the leaves.

8. Once the new plants have developed sufficient roots and small rosettes, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots with well-draining succulent soil.

Succulent variant

Echeveria longissima var. aztatlensis

Echeveria Longissima var. Aztatlensis is a distinctive variant of the Echeveria Longissima. While it shares many genetic traits with its parent plant, its appearance has notable differences. The red speckling on its leaves is deeper than the standard Echeveria Longissima. However, the most significant distinction lies in its propensity for clustering, which sets it apart from the Echeveria Longissima.

Echeveria longissima var. brachyantha

Within the Echeveria Longissima family, the var. brachyantha variant stands out distinctly. Its mature form, morphology, and leaf structure diverge noticeably from the Echeveria Longissima and Echeveria Longissima var. Aztatlensis. With glossy leaves, a striking red underside, and a predominantly red-edged front, the interplay of deep green and vivid red creates a vivid contrast. Additionally, var. brachyantha boasts a larger size than Echeveria longissima and Echeveria Longissima var. Aztatlensis.

Echeveria Longissima var. Bumps

Echeveria Longissima var. Bumps, also called Echeveria Rosima Raindrop. Echeveria Longissima var. Bumps stands apart from its counterparts in terms of appearance. When mature, its leaves exhibit distinctive protrusions, resembling small bumps. This characteristic lends the entire plant a fuller aesthetic.