Fantastic Fountain Succulent

Fantastic Fountain Succulent (Echeveria hybrid 'Fantastic Fountain') is a Taiwanese hybrid that grows as a mounding stem of stacked, lilac-blue leaves instead of a flat disc. It reaches 15cm to 30cm tall but only about 15cm wide, and the layered leaves hide the trunk as it grows. Bright orange-pink flower spikes on long stems follow on happy plants.

Why you'll love it

• A different shape. Upright, layered growth gives it height, which most echeverias lack.
• Lilac-blue foliage. A cool, soft colour that suits pale pots and pale gravel.
• Long flower spikes. Orange-pink flowers rise on tall stems from mature plants.
• Heat and drought hardy. Once established it takes heat and dry spells well, though it is frost tender.
• Pups for propagation. Small plants form around the base, and you can lift and replant them.

Where it works best

Pots and planters. Its height and narrow 15cm width suit a deep pot where it stands as a vertical accent. Plant 15cm apart if you group several.

Rockeries and sunny corners. Use it among low stones and gravel, where the stacked form adds height without crowding its neighbours.

Bright rooms. It grows indoors in a bright position with indirect light. Echeverias are not regarded as toxic to cats and dogs, though any plant chewed to bits can upset a stomach.

Growing Fantastic Fountain Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. A bright position with indirect light suits it, with shelter from hot afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves. It is frost tender, so grow it outdoors only where winters are frost free, in warm temperate, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid areas. In cooler districts keep it in a pot under cover. Heat and dry spells do not trouble it once established, but long wet weather does, so give it rain cover.

Soil. Well drained, gritty soil. In a pot use a cactus mix with extra coarse sand, and choose a pot heavy enough not to tip as the stem lengthens.

Water and feed. Water deeply but rarely. Let the pot drain completely each time, and never leave it standing in a full saucer. In the cooler months it may go for weeks without a drink, and a single half-strength feed in spring is all the feeding it wants.

Pruning. No routine pruning. Remove dead leaves low on the stem, and lift off pups at the base to replant.

What to expect when it arrives

Fantastic Fountain Succulent is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that settles in quickly once potted up. Young plants may be green when they arrive. The lilac-blue colour develops as they grow in brighter light, and the stem lengthens over time.

Thick, water-filled leaves help succulents cope with a few days in a box. Unpack on arrival, give the plant a few days in bright shade, and delay the first watering by about a week. Our grower supplies the tubes, and they do sell out from time to time. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today: press the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Our full echeveria range
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• The complete succulent care guide
• Repotting guide for pots and pups

Common questions

How tall does it grow?

Listed at 15cm to 30cm tall and about 15cm wide. The stem builds slowly, and the layered leaves hide it as they stack.

Why is mine green, not lilac?

Young plants are often green. Colour develops as the plant grows in brighter light, so increase the light gradually rather than all at once.

Is it frost hardy?

No, it is frost tender. Grow it in a pot in cool or frosty areas and move it under cover for winter.