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Cacti & Succulents

Need advice on Echeveria please

Sarah Zhan (GA, 8a)

8 years ago

Hi everyone, newbie succulent fanatic here, I need some advice please.

This Echeveria Dondo was knocked over once and lost it's head and a lot of leaves. Just recently I noticed tiny rosettes are coming out from where the leaves used to be. They are stacked on top of each other very tightly, should I do something (e.g. take out some to make room for others), or just let it take care of itself over time?

It's still in the 4 inch plastic pot it came with from IKEA.

Also, there are two pups coming out from each side, I figure eventually I'll have to cut them off to plant separately, just wondering when it is the time to do so, and where to make the cut. I used A, B, C, D, E on the pictures below to mark possible cutting points I can think of. At D, the stem was cut previously but has healed well already, and it's growing tiny pink roots too.

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Comments (3)

lgteacher
8 years ago
If it were mine, I would finish off the cut where the stem is broken and pot up that piece. You can do the same with the other side shoot, too. After you cut it, let it callous for a few days before putting it in cactus mix. It's better to be on the dry side than overwater. The side branches may be leggier than normal because the plant was not getting enough light while it was waiting to be sold.
Sarah Zhan (GA, 8a) thanked lgteacher
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The partially broken piece is about the 'right' size, I would cut the others similar in size. Just past A, not longer than B. After callusing and subsequent potting up, leave in bright spot for a while, moving into as much sun as possible gradually.

Do not detach babies, they are too small. Staying attached to the trunk, they get plenty of food and water from it. They may grow tiny roots too, but may not. Stems of the side shoots may or may not also grow some babies.

Succulents like well-draining potting mix, containing grit, perlite, turface, pumice, scoria...few of these ingredients mixed together make good mix. Re-potting the original plant into similar mix will be very beneficial in the long run.

Exciting, you are getting so many new plants (for the price of one :)
Sarah Zhan (GA, 8a) thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
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Sarah Zhan (GA, 8a)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Rina for the response!

I was gonna re-pot this guy but with the unexpected beheading I wanted to give it time to heal before I introduce any big change to him. Now it seems to be doing well I'll get on re-potting soon! It is indeed exciting! I get two cuttings from the mother plant, and a few more from all the leaves I've been propagating! ^_^

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