Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice' is an Australian hybrid known as Echeveria 'Blue Surprise' outside of Australia.
Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice' is a hybrid of Echeveria lilacina created by Andrew Thompson of Cactusland in Melbourne, Australia. Unfortunately, some other sellers in Australia also sell it as Echeveria lilacina 'Blue Surprise' ('Andrew's Choice'). This name is incorrect because the plant is a hybrid, not a cultivar of Echeveria lilacina. Additionally, the sellers have confused Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice' with Echeveria × gilva 'Blue Surprise'. This hybrid is a much more recent plant than Echeveria × gilva 'Blue Surprise'.
Description
Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice', also sold as Echeveria 'Blue Surprise', is a charming small succulent that forms compact rosettes of gray-green leaves that take on a lilac hue in colder weather. The rosettes grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, offsetting slowly with age.
During the spring, the rosettes produce clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that hang from arching stalks. The flowers are pinkish-red with yellow tips and interiors.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice'
Light: Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice' requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. In addition, if you plan to move the plant outside in spring, do it gradually and avoid exposure to intense afternoon sun.
Soil: Having soil that drains quickly is most important for growing a healthy succulent. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial soil for succulents will work fine.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice' is a tender succulent and must be brought indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. 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: During the growing season, the "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for this plant. Water deeply and then let the soil completely dry out before watering again. Water sparingly during the winter, only enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Above all, if you have a saucer under the pot, do not forget to empty the excess water.
Fertilizing: Although it can grow well without fertilizer, Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice' may benefit from extra nutrients. Feed only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: If growing this plant in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer, but ensure the soil is dry before you start. Also, always use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice' can be propagated by leaves or offsets, with the best time being in the spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice'
Echeveria 'Andrew's Choice' has no toxic effects reported. However, although it is safe for growing around children and pets, it is not advisable to eat it.
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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