Commonly known as the Echeveria Peacockii, the Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ belongs to the family of succulents. It is a plant that grows up to 11 cm when it reaches maturity, and several blueish-green-colored rosettes start to grow on the plant in the early summers.
During the summer months, the alluring blue-green color of the flower becomes brighter, and a sharp red outline becomes prominent at the edges of the leaves.
The Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ is a great indoor and outdoor plant because it is low maintenance and easy-going. It doesn’t require much of your time to care for and manage properly; thus, if you are looking for a new plant to add to your pathways, lounges, or gardens, look no further than the Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’!
Echeveria Desmetiana Care
Sunlight
We cannot stress enough the importance of sunlight for succulents! The Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ is a light-absorbing succulent that needs solar energy to grow and bloom. The plant must be in contact with sunlight for six hours daily. The scorching heat can harm the succulents, but exposing the plant to the morning sun daily is a healthy approach. Or you can provide the plant filtered light or some shade so it doesn’t get sunburned under the full sun.
When it gets sufficient light, the Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ blooms beautifully because it gets enough astigmatism irradiation. The pearlescent rosettes take up a most captivating mix of blue and green, with the leaves sharply outlined with tones of pink when it has absorbed plenty of light.
Water
Providing a controlled amount of water to the Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ will ensure it stays healthy throughout its lifetime.
Particularly during the growing phase, you should ensure it gets plenty of water frequently, that is, once/twice a week. After reaching maturity, shower it once every two weeks, and it will be good to go.
Moreover, during the autumn and spring seasons, the plant might require water frequently when the soil tends to dry up easily. In summer, the plant might need water once in two days since heat is there to evaporate moisture in the soil. The Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ is not a frost-hardy plant and can’t resist the low winter temperatures. To prevent the plant from dying from frostbite, the best approach is to provide minimal water.
Soil
Do you want the succulent to grow and mature fast? For that matter, nothing compares to good drainage soil! A grainy soil will ensure good air circulation and allow the water to travel down to the roots.
Usually, cactus potting mix and sand with gravel (in a one-to-one ratio) are good choices for porous soils.
Temperature and Humidity
These non-frost hardy succulents grow best in warm regions. 18 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees is the most suitable temperature range for the Echeveria Peacockii to grow.
When the temperature is high, the plant needs cooling protection, which can be in the form of shade or water spray. Similarly, the plant will require some heating protection when the temperature is low. In the winter months, the plant tends to receive lesser sunlight, and thus its watering needs are lowered.
Fertilizer
The Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ can survive perfectly without fertilizer. However, if the soil nutrients have been washed away with water, due to which plant growth has been hindered, you can use a nutrient-rich fertilizer. Make sure to dilute it (around 75%), so the strong chemicals don’t adversely affect your plant.
Propagation of Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’
Leaf cuttings and seeds are three common ways to propagate the plant.
Propagation with Leaf
Use a knife to cut out a healthy and fleshy leaf from the Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’. Make sure no part of it remains attached to the stem. Once you have the leaf, let it sit for a few days to allow it to be callous. After that, use well-draining soil to plant it and keep watering it frequently until the new plant grows and reaches maturity.
Propagation with Seeds
This method takes ages for the plant to mature. In this method, you must sow the seeds in good-drainage soil and frequently water them.
Pests and Diseases That Affect Echeveria Desmetiana
Plant Diseases
The slow grower plant Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ lives a life free from pests and diseases. However, they are still vulnerable to root rots mainly caused by overwatering. If you provide a huge amount of water to your plant, such that it sits on the soil, you are killing it with your own hands.
Before watering, check if the soil has dried out and only water the plant; otherwise, your plants will expire very soon. A good balance of water and sunlight is key to a healthy and happy plant.
Pests
Aphids and mealy bugs are a few pests that can find Echeveria ‘Desmetiana’ as their prey. Use a spray of isopropyl and water to eradicate these mighty little insects.
Conclusion
The Echeveria Desmetiana is a beautiful plant with blue-green rosettes that can enhance the look of your garden or lounges. Since these are flexible succulents that require low maintenance, you can easily take care of their watering and sunlight needs. Keeping the plant in a healthy environment and planting it in well-drainage soil will make it live healthier!
