Succulent

The Echeveria gemmula succulent (Echeveria gemmula) is a small Mexican rosette plant, about 10cm tall and wide, with narrow leaves that end in sharp red tips. Its colour moves between pale pink-green and blue-grey as the light and season change. Happy plants add coral pink bell flowers with orange insides.

Why you'll love it

• A true species. This is a species echeveria from Mexico rather than a hybrid, with its own look of small leaves ending in red points.
• Shifting colour. Pale pink-green in some seasons and blue-grey in others, depending on light.
• Very compact. Around 10cm across, it fits a teacup, a small bowl or a gap between rocks.
• Coral pink flowers. Bells open coral pink with orange insides on mature plants.

Where it works best

Small pots and bowls. A good fit for a shallow pot or a mixed succulent bowl. Plant 10cm apart for a close cluster.

Rockery pockets. A sunny nook between stones suits it, as long as rain drains away quickly.

Windowsills and displays. Strong light indoors keeps its shape and colour, so keep it close to the glass in a bright room. Echeverias are not generally listed as toxic to cats or dogs, although a mouthful of any plant can disagree with a pet.

Growing Echeveria gemmula in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best leaf colour. Acclimatise a plant to summer sun over a week or two, because new plants can scorch. In warm temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens it grows outside happily, and in the subtropics it prefers a spot under cover from the rain. Protect it from frost, and from cold, wet soil in winter, by growing it in a pot that can sit under cover.

Soil. Gritty, free draining soil is key. Use cactus mix with coarse sand or fine gravel mixed through it, and keep the crown just above the soil surface.

Water and feed. Be sparing with the water. When the soil is dry right through, give the pot a thorough drink at soil level, then leave it alone until it dries again. A light feed at half strength in early spring is more than enough.

Pruning. No pruning. Resist the urge to handle it, since frequent touching dulls the colour, and only remove leaves once they are dead and dry.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Echeveria gemmula as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is potted up. Plants are supplied young. They develop their distinctive adult shape and sharper points as they grow, so judge the plant in a year, not on day one.

Plants are packed upright and ride well, since the thick leaves store water. Open the box promptly, let the plant sit in bright shade for a few days, and hold off watering for about a week so any bruised roots can callus. This tube is raised by our grower, so supply comes and goes. If it shows as sold out, the grower has none today, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it is back.

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

• Browse all echeverias
• More succulents for pots and gardens
• Succulent care: the Australian guide
• Beginner tips for growing plants indoors

Common questions

What colour will it be?

It varies between pale pink-green and blue-grey. The shade depends on how much light it gets, so expect some change from season to season.

Why are the red tips not sharp yet?

Young plants have not developed their adult form. The points sharpen as the rosette grows.

Can I handle it much?

Keep handling to a minimum. Frequent touching dulls its colour, so move it by the pot and not by the leaves.