Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Gilva Cristata'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
This succulent is a form of Echeveria 'Gilva' selected for its crested growth.
Description
Echeveria 'Gilva Cristata' is a fascinating succulent with fleshy, olive green leaves densely packed along crested stems. It is smaller than the normal Echeveria 'Gilva' but more interesting in form. The leaves are also smaller and often with reddish mucronate tips. Each specimen is unique, some growths are stable, but others tend to revert to normal growth.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Gilva Cristata'
Light: E. 'Gilva Cristata' prefers full sun to partial shade. If you are moving your plant outside in the spring, do it gradually. The intense afternoon sun can cause sunburn. During the winter, when your E. 'Gilva Cristata' is inside, put it near the brightest window in your home. It will stretch if it does not have enough sunlight.
Soil: This succulent needs a potting soil mix that drains quickly. Many growers will create their own mix. However, commercial succulent potting mixes will work fine.
Temperature: This plant is a tender succulent, which means it must be brought indoors for the winter to survive. E. 'Gilva Cristata' can withstand temperatures as low as 20 °F (-6.7 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: Provide moderate amounts of water from spring to fall. The "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for watering E. 'Gilva Cristata'. If you have saucers under the pots, make sure after a short time to empty the water. Water your plant just enough to keep it from shriveling during the winter months.
Fertilizing: E. 'Gilva Cristata' grows well without fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring or a liquid fertilizer diluted 2 to 4 times more than usual and used less often than recommended.
Repotting: Repot the plant only as needed during spring or early summer when it is actively growing. To repot your E. 'Gilva Cristata', ensure the soil is dry before repotting.
Propagation: This succulent is propagated from cuttings. Spring is the best time to take cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Gilva Cristata'
E. 'Gilva Cristata' has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans, although 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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