Echeveria 'Tippy'

Echeveria 'Tippy' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial

Size

Small rosette

Watering

Light feeder

Light & Placement

In spring and autumn keep it in sun outdoors with good air; in summer in bright, airy shade out of the rain; in winter in frost-free sun outdoors or a sunny room.

Watering

A spring–autumn grower. Water when the pot is completely dry, keeping water off the leaves: thoroughly in spring and autumn, sparingly in humid summer heat, and in winter just enough to moisten the top third of the pot.

Temperature & Overwintering

Keep it free of frost and freezing in winter, in a sunny spot; the red tips are brightest with plenty of light.

Soil & Repotting

Use a free-draining mix and repot in spring or autumn, refreshing the soil.

Propagation

Propagate from leaves or by removing offsets from the base.

Pests & Cautions

E. 'Beatrice' ('Momotaro') was once called 'Tippy', so beware of confusion on old labels. It is not a registered variety.

About Echeveria 'Tippy'

Echeveria 'Tippy' is a small rosette succulent with red-tipped triangular leaves. A beginner-friendly perennial, with care basics and tips for choosing a healthy plant.

7 things to know before growing Echeveria 'Tippy'

1. 1Bright Light and Airflow

   A bright, well-ventilated spot is the best place for it. With too little light the stem stretches and the tight rosette starts to loosen. Indoors, choose a bright window and turn the pot from time to time so it grows evenly.

2. 2Water Deeply, Then Wait

   Wait until the soil is completely dry, then water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage hole. The right timing depends on temperature and placement, so go by how dry the soil is rather than a fixed schedule. Water can collect in the center of the rosette and cause rot, so pour it around the base instead.

3. 3Fast-Draining Soil

   A fast-draining mix, such as a potting soil made for succulents and cacti, suits this plant. Use a pot with a drainage hole and avoid one that is too large, since a snug pot dries out faster and is easier to manage. For a small rosette like this, a pot slightly wider than the plant is a good guide.

4. 4When to Repot

   Repot when the roots fill the pot, or when the lower leaves drop and the stem stretches out. Spring or autumn, when growth is steady, is the best time. After repotting, hold off on watering for a few days to let the roots settle.

5. 5Summer Shade and Airflow

   Hot, humid summers can be a hard season for this plant. Move it to bright shade or a breezy spot to avoid strong direct sun and stuffy air, and water sparingly. A shade cloth can soften the sunlight and help prevent leaf scorch.

6. 6Keep Away from Frost

   Frost and freezing can damage the leaves and roots. Before the weather turns cold, move the plant to a sunny indoor spot or another place where frost cannot reach it. Growth slows in winter, so water much less than usual.

7. 7Choosing a Healthy Plant

   Look for firm leaves, a tidy rosette and clearly visible red tips. Also check that there is no obvious damage or discoloration, that the base is stable, and that the stem has not stretched. Use the photos and description on the listing to judge the condition, and ask the grower about anything unclear.

Frequently asked questions about Echeveria 'Tippy'

Q.Can a beginner grow it?

A.Its difficulty is listed as beginner-friendly. If you stick to the basics of good light, a fast-draining mix and watering only once the soil has dried, it is easy to grow. Just take care with stuffy heat in summer and frost in winter.

Q.How do I keep the red leaf tips?

A.Good light is the key. With too little light the red fades and the plant tends to stretch. Avoid overwatering, and enjoy the fact that the depth of color shifts with the growing conditions.

Q.Is it good for mixed arrangements?

A.Yes. Its small, tidy rosette works well as an accent in a mixed planting. Pair it with succulents that need watering at a similar rhythm to make care easier. The plant grows over time, so leave a little room around it.

Q.How often should I water it?

A.Go by the soil rather than a fixed number of days: water when it is completely dry. In spring and autumn, water thoroughly whenever it dries out, and cut back in summer and winter.

Q.Can I grow it indoors?

A.Yes, as long as it gets bright light and fresh air, for example at a sunny window. Too little light makes the stem stretch, so turn the pot now and then. If you move it outdoors, introduce it to strong sun gradually to avoid leaf scorch.

Handy Growing Tools for Echeveria 'Tippy'

Learn more about Echeveria 'Tippy' in the encyclopedia

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