Echeveria colorata aka Red Top Queen
Taxonomy
Echeveria colorata, also known as the Painted Echeveria, is a species of succulent plant in the Crassulaceae family, endemic to Mexico. This slow-growing succulent can add color and texture to any garden or indoor space with its vibrant rosettes of green leaves that have red and pink tips, making it a standout in any collection. The plant reaches a maximum height of 1 ft (0.3 m) and produces small yellow flowers on tall stems in the spring and summer. Echeveria colorata is one of hundreds of plants in the Echeveria genus, each with its own unique colors and patterns. The wild species are native to Central America and were named after the botanical illustrator Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy. They're super easy to grow as long as they get lots of sunlight and can be easily propagated by stem or leaf.
Common names
Red Top Queen, Mexican GiantHow to care for Red Top Queen
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Red Top Queen is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Red Top Queen does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Red Top Queen healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Red Top Queen prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Red Top Queen plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
Red Top Queen thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
The Red Top Queen is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Red Top Queen’s native range is Central and northern South America.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Echeveria Genus
Echeveria shaviana Mexican Hens And Chicks
Echeveria prolifica
Echeveria chihuahuaensis Cats Claw Echeveria
Echeveria harmsii Red Echeveria
Echeveria purpusorum Rose Aloe
Echeveria coccinea
Echeveria amoena Baby Echeveria
Echeveria moranii
Echeveria carnicolor Coral Echeveria
