Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’

Topsy Turvy Echeveria (Echeveria runyonii 'Topsy Turvy') is the succulent to reach for when a pot needs shape rather than fuss. Each rosette sits about 20cm high and 30cm across, built from powdery silver blue leaves that curl backwards into a sculpted spiral. It wants sun, sharp drainage and very little water, and it is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• A rosette with real structure. The recurved leaves throw shadow lines that flat rosettes never manage, so one plant can carry a pot.
• Close to drought proof. It stores water in the leaves and would rather be forgotten than watered twice.
• Safe around pets. Echeveria is not toxic to cats and dogs, unlike several succulents sold alongside it.
• It multiplies itself. Offsets form around the base and can be twisted off and potted on, so one plant becomes a row.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. A shallow bowl 200mm to 300mm wide suits the spreading rosette better than a deep pot, and terracotta helps the mix dry between drinks.

Balconies and courtyards. Hot paved corners that cook other plants are where this one colours up, and it needs no irrigation.

Rockeries and edging. Set plants about 30cm apart in gravel or between rocks, where drainage is sharp and offsets can fill the gaps.

Growing Topsy Turvy Echeveria in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun brings out the silver blue and pink leaf edges. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens, and takes light frost only, so in frosting districts grow it in a pot that can shift under cover for winter.

Soil. This matters most. Use a cactus and succulent mix, or open a standard mix with coarse sand until water runs straight through. In the ground, plant on a raised gravelly mound.

Water and feed. Soak it, then let the mix dry right through before the next drink. Half strength liquid feed twice across spring and summer is plenty.

Upkeep. Pull the dried lower leaves away as they shrivel so moisture cannot sit against the stem. Orange and yellow flowers appear on an arching stem in warm weather, which can be cut off at the base once it finishes.

What to expect when it arrives

This one is grown as tube stock, so expect a young single rosette rather than a finished specimen. It will fill a 200mm bowl within a year or two, and tube plants settle faster because the roots go in undisturbed.

Few plants travel better. Leave yours bright and dry for a week before the first water, and do not be alarmed by smudged patches on the leaves, which is the natural wax rubbing off in transit. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, minimum order of $300 before delivery, and covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the wider succulent range.
• See what else thrives in hot climate conditions.
• Check the other plants safe for pets.
• More options for lean ground in plants that thrive in poor soil.

Common questions

How often should I water it?

Every two to three weeks in summer and monthly or less in winter, and only once the mix is dry through. Soft translucent leaves mean too much water, wrinkled leaves mean it is genuinely thirsty.

Why is my rosette stretching and going green?

Not enough light. The stem lengthens and the leaves lose their silver coating in a dark position. Move it into full sun over a week or two, and behead and re-root a badly drawn rosette.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Echeveria is listed as non toxic to cats and dogs, so a chewed leaf is not a poisoning risk. It is one of the few succulents we can say that about.

Can I grow it indoors?

Only on the sunniest windowsill, and even then it grows loosely. This is a plant for outdoor sun in a pot, brought in for a frosty week.