Red Hole Succulent

Red Hole Succulent (Echeveria hybrid 'Red Hole') is a neat, bowl-shaped echeveria that grows to about 15cm tall and, as listed, a slim 5cm wide. Its pale green leaves age to red, and in bright sun the outer leaves turn deep rust, the inside soft peach and the centre apple green. It is a small, quietly colourful plant for pots and sunny rockery pockets.

Why you'll love it

• A shaded effect. Rust outside, peach inside and an apple green heart give the bowl a layered look.
• Colour from sun. Leaves start pale green and age to red, especially with plenty of light.
• Slim and upright. The narrow footprint suits tight spots where a wider echeveria would not fit.
• Low effort. It needs little more than bright light, sharp drainage and sparing water.

Where it works best

Small pots. A small pot or a narrow trough suits its slim shape. Plant 10cm apart if you group several.

Rockery pockets. Tuck it into a gap between stones, with bright light but shelter from the harshest afternoon sun.

Bright indoor spots. A bright windowsill gives good colour without the risk of scorch. Echeverias are not regarded as toxic to pets, though it is still wise to keep any plant out of a chewer's reach.

Growing Red Hole Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Bright light brings out the red, but protect it from hot afternoon sun, which can sunburn the foliage and harm the roots. Frost free warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens suit it outdoors, as do subtropical ones with some cover from the rain. Frost is the main risk. Where winter nights drop to freezing, keep it in a pot that can come inside.

Soil. Sharp drainage is essential. Use a gritty cactus mix in a pot, or a raised, gravelly spot in the ground.

Water and feed. Give it a thorough drink only when the soil is dry to the touch, applied around the base and not on the rosette. Overwatering, not drought, is how most echeverias are lost. One half-strength feed in early spring covers the year.

Pruning. No pruning. Peel away dead leaves from the base and keep the centre of the bowl clear of litter.

What to expect when it arrives

Red Hole Succulent is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that settles in quickly once potted up. Tube plants are small and green, and the red colouring builds as the leaves age in good light.

Succulents travel well because the leaves carry their own water. A lower leaf or two may loosen in transit, and laid on dry mix it will often root as a new plant. Unpack on arrival and stand the plant in bright shade for a few days. Because the tube comes from our grower, it is not always in stock. A sold out tube means the grower has none right now, and the notify button on this page will send you an email 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

• See the echeveria collection
• Rockery plants for sunny pockets
• Everything about succulents in Australia
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Why are the leaves green, not red?

Young leaves are pale green and age to red, especially in bright light. Give it plenty of light but not hot afternoon sun.

Can it sunburn?

Yes. Hot afternoon sun can scorch the foliage and damage the roots, so choose bright, indirect light or morning sun.

How big does it get?

It is listed at about 15cm tall and 5cm wide, so it is a small, slim plant that suits tight spaces.