Echeveria runyonii aka Topsy Turvey

Echeveria runyonii belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is a succulent, with fleshy leaves that stay all year. Gardeners also know it as silver spoons. It comes from Mexico, where Kew records it in Tamaulipas. It grows in deserts and dry land with shrubs. Kew classes it as a succulent subshrub. In gardens, it forms low clumps of fleshy leaves. It does not shed its leaves with the seasons.

The silver-grey leaves form a rosette with no stem. Each rosette can reach about 0.4 feet [0.12 metres] across. The RHS gives a wider size range for the whole plant in gardens. Its height and spread range from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. It takes about two to five years to reach full size. Orange flowers bloom above the leaves in summer. Their stems curve out from the low rosettes, adding height. The pale leaves and raised blooms contrast in colour and shape.

Use cactus compost that lets water drain out with ease. The RHS lists both sandy and loamy soils as suitable. The plant accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. In pots, give it bright light through a filter. The RHS also lists full sun as a suitable site. Move plants into direct sun in stages before summer use outdoors. Give modest amounts of water while the plant grows. Then keep it almost dry through winter. Feed once a month while it grows. Use a balanced liquid feed. It withstands drought, but its water needs change with the season.

Choose a site with shelter and keep the plant from frost. Its RHS hardiness rating is H2, covering lows of 1–5°C. It copes with cool weather but cannot live through freezing. Grow it as a houseplant or in a greenhouse or conservatory. Pots also suit patios in summer and subtropical plant displays. The small rosettes fit well in pots with other plants. It keeps its shape with no need for routine pruning.

Mealybugs, aphids, and vine weevil can attack this plant. The RHS reports few disease problems when growing conditions suit it. Raise new plants from seed in early spring at 18°C. You can also take leaf cuttings in early summer. Split off offsets in spring to make more plants. The supplied evidence for this species does not show whether it is safe to eat or toxic.