Echeveria 'Psyche'

Scientific Name

Echeveria 'Psyche'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria

Origin

This succulent is a Korean hybrid. The parentage is unknown, possibly involving Echeveria agavoides 'Romeo' and Echeveria tolimanensis or Echeveria agavoides 'Ebony' and Echeveria tolimanensis.

Description

Echeveria 'Psyche' is a beautiful succulent that forms rosettes of pointed leaves with a color that changes depending on the time of the year and growing conditions. The rosette grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, producing offsets at the base. Leaves are thick, fleshy, flat on the upper surface, and rounded below. They are grayish-green with red tips but take on striking orange or red hues and often have dark red spots when the plant is grown in full sun.

The orange bell-shaped flowers appear in clusters on arching stalks in summer.

How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Psyche'

Light: E. 'Psyche' 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. 'Psyche' 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 create their own. However, commercial potting mixes for succulents will work fine.

Temperature: This plant is a tender succulent, which means it must be brought indoors for the winter to survive. E. 'Psyche' 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. 'Psyche'. 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. 'Psyche' 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. 'Psyche', ensure the soil is dry before repotting.

Propagation: Like most Echeverias, this succulent is usually propagated from leaves or offsets. Spring is the best time to take leaf cuttings and separate offsets.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.

Toxicity of Echeveria 'Psyche'

E. 'Psyche' has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans, although it is not advisable to eat it.

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