I got this little Echeveria for free from a large supermarket giving them away. It is obviously in very poor condition but I wanted to try to nurse it back to health. Ive grown many things but succulents are not one of them. Looking for advice on how I might give this little guy the best chance possible.
First obvious problem is they overwatered the crap out of them. Currently letting it dry out next to my Aerogarden so it gets plenty of light.
Get it into appropriate soil. Unfortunately, “succulent soil” sold out of a bag is actually almost invariably inappropriate for most succulents. They want freely draining substrate with just a small amount of organic matter. So a mix of 70% pumice, lava rock, perlite, chicken grit, fine penbles, etc and 30% organic soil (peat, coco coir, gardening soil).
Echeverias are VERY light hungry. If possible, gradually accumulate it to direct (outside in full sun) or strong indirect (in front of a south facing window) light. And I do mean gradually, giving slightly more light a day over a several week period, as plants can sunburn and it is generally permanent or fatal.
Echis hate having wet feet and only need watering every couple of weeks, but this one looks like it could use a good drink.
Good for you for rescuing it. Several of my favorite plants have a similar backstory.
Im hesitant to stress it with a repot. Should I wait or risk doing it right away. It looks like they planted it directly in potting soil.
I would definitely repot it right away. The stress of repotting will be less than the stress of dying from root rot. Plus repotting new plants ASAP is to me pretty important so I can check root condition as well as get rid of any potential invasives in the nursery soil.
Got it. Should I keep it in a pot with the same general size or scale it down? Thanks for all the advice by the way!
No problem, happy to help! That pot size looks fine, as long as it has a drainage hole in the bottom.
Im not an expert by any means but I noticed with my cacti and succulents that potting them in the correct type of soil makes a huge difference. If you have a local nursery, they may have some nice soil for you.
I hope this helps!
Oh also, I have a miracle grown succulent food I give them periodically. Maybe grab something like that as well.
Thanks for the advice! I dont want to repot it right away but when its looking better I will.
Do you think a growlight will give it what it needs? I dont have a great window to put it on. The grow light is on for 15 hours each day.
I dont have experience with grow lights, but am interested to hear how it works for you! My friend has some tropical plants under a grow light in his office and they do really well. Id think that you should be fine.
I’ll keep you updated!
