Among succulents, echeverias are one of the most varied plants you can find. AND among them there is one called the “ghost flower”. We refer to the Echeveria lilacina.
But what do you know about this plant? Do you know its characteristics? How does it flower? Maybe care? Below we present you a guide so that you can know it in depth and discover everything about it.
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How is the Echeveria lilacina
There is no doubt that almost all echeverias have a very similar pattern in their shape. And this one is no different from the previous ones. It is a not too tall plant, at least in height, which takes the form of an open artichoke. Its maximum height is only about 25 to 30 centimeters. For its part, widthwise it can measure the same, between 25 and 30 centimeters. Although, if it scares you that it grows so much, we would tell you not to worry, because it is very slow.
It is silver gray in color although sometimes it can turn white, but during the colder months you will see it change color to a more purple or lilac color. Actually, in the summer, or if you put it in the sun, it can also change with the seasons.
As for the flowers, which we have already told you bloom very, very easily, you can cast them in red, orange or pink. But what most attracts the attention of these are the edges that will not be in this shade, but in yellow. For that, develops a fairly long stem (reaches 15 centimeters) in the center of the rosette from which the flowers will come out at the end.
Echeveria lilacina care
Whether you live in a fairly warm (and low humidity) area, aren’t good with plants, or don’t have a lot of time to devote to them, echeverias (and succulents in general) can be a good choice. flowering plants. But you have to know how to take care of them.
In the case of Echeveria lilacina, the care to be taken is as follows:
lighting and temperature
Like the good echeveria it is, it loves light. And the sun. Also, in order for it to maintain those beautiful colors representative of the plant, you must place it in a place where it receives at least 4 to 8 hours of direct sunlight and the rest of indirect light. This way you make sure it gets what it needs to grow ideally without burning its leaves (which means avoiding the sun from 12pm to 6pm in the summer).
And you will also get the colors to intensify.
As for the temperature, your ideal would be between 18 and 27 degrees. But you don’t have to worry too much either, because In general, it supports both high and low temperatures.
Of course, in the event of an accident, it is not recommended to spend a lot of time with them without protecting it, since the plant can die very quickly.
Substrate
As you know (and if we don’t tell you), echeverias and succulents adapt to almost any soil you give them as long as it comes with good drainage. It can be perlite, but also tree bark, volcanic rock, gravel…
A good mix you can make is with a universal substrate, earthworm humus, gravel, perlite and river sand.
Irrigation
Echeveria lilac It is one of many echeverias that accumulate a lot of water in its leaves., which means that the watering does not need to be as constant as with other plants. In addition, by extending horizontally, it preserves water deposits even better.
Therefore, when it comes to watering, the truth is that you shouldn’t worry. As long as you water her every 8-10 days in the summer, and every 2-3-4 weeks in the winter, she will be more than satisfied.
In these cases, it is better to water less than to go too far.
Of course, you have to be careful pouring water on the leaves because the only thing that will cause is fungus. And this is interpreted in plant diseases. To avoid them, always try to water on the substrate and, in case you can not, pour it below, not leaving the dish too long (so that the roots do not rot).
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Although not common in echeverias, if desired, and always optional, you can add a fertilizer once a month with half the dose described by the manufacturer in irrigation water. This should only be applied in spring and summer.
Size
Another of the Echeveria lilacina worries you will save. There is no need to prune it beyond removing the dry leaves. You can remove them by gently pulling or, if still tight, with a knife or scissors.
Multiplication
Echeveria lilacina is a very “solitary” plant, in the sense that it is difficult for it to produce suckers or shoots that can be cut and planted to obtain new plants.
For that, One of the most common forms of propagation is through leaves. These are very easy to get and all you have to do is take one that looks healthy, always cut it from the base up and let it dry (so that the cut you healed).
After three days you can put the leaf on top of a pot with a good substrate (the one it should have). You don’t need to plant it or cover it, just leave it there. Within a few days, the leaf will develop roots and begin to produce a new plant.. Only when you see it can you throw some dirt around it to bury it.
When you water it, try to do it with a sprayer.
In 4-6 weeks you will have the card already with this new plant and it will only have to start growing.
Now you know more about the Echeveria lilacina and as for its price, we have to tell you that it is quite cheap. Normally in stores you find them in small formats, but you can always check used (people own and sell when they play) as they may be even cheaper or even bigger than you find them “new”. Do you dare to have one in your home?