Scientific Name
×Cremneria 'Leisal'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Nothogenus: ×Cremneria
Description
×Cremneria 'Leisal', usually sold as Echeveria 'Leisal', is a beautiful small succulent that forms compact rosettes of fleshy, wedge-shaped leaves with a pointed tip. It crests very often. The rosettes grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter and produce many offsets on short stolons, forming dense clumps. During the summer, the light green leaves may change color and develop a yellowish tinge.
The yellow, bell-shaped flowers appear in clusters at the end of long, slender stalks with bracts the same color as the leaves in spring. The spreading to pendent inflorescences is the best proof that this plant is a hybrid, with one of the parents being a Cremnophila.
Origin
×Cremneria 'Leisal' is a hybrid that results from a cross between Cremnophila nutans and Echeveria prolifica. It was created by Charles Harrison Uhl (1918-2010) and named by David Cumming (Australia). However, he erred when classifying it as an Echeveria hybrid, but the spreading to pendent inflorescences is the best proof that a Cremnophila is one of the parents. Charles Harrison Uhl (aka C. H. Uhl) was an American botanist and specialist in Crassulaceae.
How to Grow and Care for ×Cremneria 'Leisal'
Light: ×Cremneria 'Leisal' grows best in full sun to partial shade. If you move the plant outside in the spring, do it gradually, as the intense afternoon sun can cause sunburn. Indoors, place it near the brightest window in your home to prevent etiolation.
Soil: This plant needs a potting soil mix that drains quickly. Many growers prefer to create their own well-draining mix, although commercial soil for succulents will work fine.
Temperature: As a tender succulent, ×Cremneria 'Leisal' must be brought indoors for the winter to survive unless you live in a warm climate. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: The "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for watering this plant. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. If you have saucers under the pots, empty the extra water. In winter, water the plant just enough to keep it from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Although it can grow well without fertilizer, this plant will benefit from the extra nutrients during the growing season. Use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: Repot only when necessary in spring, just before the growing season.
Propagation: You can propagate ×Cremneria 'Leisal' by leaves or offsets in spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of ×Cremneria 'Leisal'
×Cremneria 'Leisal' has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around humans and pets, although it is not advisable to eat it.
Links
- Back to nothogenus ×Cremneria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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