Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Minibelle Cristata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Minibelle'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
This succulent is a form of Echeveria 'Minibelle' selected for its crested growth.
Description
Echeveria 'Minibelle Cristata' is a fascinating shrubby succulent with fleshy, silvery-green leaves with reddish margins and tips and densely packed along crested stems. It is smaller than the normal Echeveria 'Minibelle' but more interesting in form. The leaves are shorter and narrower. They take on a brilliant shade of terracotta red when exposed to strong sunlight or cold temperatures. Each specimen has a unique shape.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Minibelle Cristata'
Light: E. 'Minibelle Cristata' prefers full sun to partial shade. If you move your plant outside in the spring, do it gradually. The intense afternoon sun can cause sunburn. During the winter, when your E. 'Minibelle 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. 'Minibelle Cristata' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 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. 'Minibelle 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 winter.
Fertilizing: E. 'Minibelle 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. To repot your E. 'Minibelle Cristata', ensure the soil is dry before repotting.
Propagation: This succulent is propagated from stem cuttings. Spring is the best time to take cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Minibelle Cristata'
E. 'Minibelle 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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