Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested' is a unique mutated form of Echeveria 'Heart's Choice'. Unlike typical rosettes, this form develops compact, sculptural formations, making it rarer and more desirable for collectors. Succulent enthusiasts prize it for its artistic and almost otherworldly appearance.
Taxonomy of Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested'
Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested'
Accepted Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Heart's Choice'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The generic name "Echeveria" (pronounced "ech-eh-VER-ee-a") honors Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy (fl.1771-1803), an 18th-century botanical artist and naturalist from New Spain who trained at the Royal Art Academy in Mexico City.
Description of Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested'
Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested' is an interesting succulent with many gray-green leaves crowded along flattened stems, creating compact, sculptural shapes. As the plant matures, the leaves develop bumps on their upper surface, which become more prominent over time and can sometimes cover the entire leaf. Unlike the normal form of Echeveria 'Heart's Choice', the crested form has smaller leaves, and each specimen displays a unique shape.
Origin of Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested'
Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested' is a form of Echeveria 'Heart's Choice' selected for its mutated growth.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested'
Light: Echeveria 'Heart's Choice' grows best in full sun to partial shade. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. In addition, if you plan to move the plant outside in the spring, do so gradually and avoid exposing it 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 mixes for succulents will work fine.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air. However, Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested' is a tender succulent that 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°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: During the growing season, this plant prefers the "soak and dry" method. Water deeply and then let the soil dry out completely 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 'Heart's Choice Crested' may benefit from extra nutrients. Feed only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
Repotting: If growing in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer. Ensure the soil is dry before starting. Also, always use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested' can be propagated by leaves or offsets during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested'
Echeveria 'Heart's Choice Crested' has no reported toxic effects and is safe for growing around children and pets.
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Echeveria.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.