About Echeveria 'Firefly'
Echeveria 'Firefly' is a luminous hybrid cultivar celebrated for its radiant foliage and compact symmetry. This specimen forms 5-inch diameter rosettes of spatulate leaves with a base hue of citrine-yellow, transitioning to vibrant lime-green centers. Under optimal sunlight, leaf margins ignite with persistent coral-pink flushing, creating a bioluminescent effect. Mature plants produce arching inflorescences in late spring, bearing bell-shaped flowers with tangerine petals and golden stamens. Its consistent coloration and moderate offsetting habit make it exceptionally versatile for terrariums, living arrangements, and drought-tolerant landscapes.
How to Care for Echeveria 'Firefly'
Light: Requires 5-6 hours of direct morning sun with bright filtered afternoon light. Southern exposures enhance coral margins; in USDA zones 9-11, utilize 30% shade cloth when temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C) to prevent photobleaching.
Water: Employ deep watering only when soil is completely dry (finger-test to 1.5-inch depth). Summer intervals: 10-14 days; winter dormancy: monthly. Prevent water contact with foliage to preserve farina.
Temperature: Ideal range: 60-78°F (15-26°C). Tolerates brief exposure to 30°F (-1°C) when absolutely dry. Prolonged heat above 90°F (32°C) necessitates active airflow enhancement.
Soil & Potting: Plant in 60% mineral grit (perlite/scoria) amended with 40% coconut coir. Select shallow glazed ceramic pots 1.5 inches wider than rosettes - light blue or green glazes accentuate foliage hues.
Fertilizer: Apply low-nitrogen formula (4-6-5 NPK) at 20% strength monthly during active growth (March-October). Discontinue during winter dormancy.
Pests & Disease: Resistant to most pests; occasional aphid infestations respond to pyrethrin sprays. Primary concern is crown rot - ensure rosettes remain elevated above substrate level.
Propagation: Echeveria 'Firefly' propagates most effectively via leaf cuttings with 80% success. Select mid-rosette leaves, dry for 5 days, place on dry pumice. Maintain 70-75°F (21-24°C) under 40% shade. Initiate misting after 3 weeks when roots emerge. Rosettes mature in 5-7 months, with optimal results in early spring.
More Information
Primary color: Citrine-yellow with lime centers
Secondary color: Coral-pink margins (sun-stressed)
Bloom color: Tangerine with gold stamens
Product format: 4 inch potted plant
Cold hardiness: USDA Zones 9b-11 (30°F/-1°C min when dry)
Suitability: Terrariums, fairy gardens, office windowsills
Propagation: Leaf cuttings (spring optimal)
Special characteristics: Farina-protected foliage, slow offsetting, UV-reactive pigments
