Echeveria Raindrops Propagation and Care Guide for beginners and novice gardeners. This stunning hybrid is from the famed echeveria hybridizer Dick Wright. In fact, it gets its name from the round droplet-like bump that it develops as it matures. However, not all young ‘Raindrops’ have bumps. Although, they will develop with time. Additionally, blue-green rosette leaf tips can turn pink or red in cold weather or bright light. In addition, Echeverias need bright sunlight to maintain their colors and compact rosette form.
Water
Once established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat or containers.
Light
Full sun to partial sun
USDA Zone
9b to 11
Temperature
Minimum 30-40° F or -1.1- 4.4° C
Soil
Well-draining soil, use a container with good drainage
Fertilizer
May benefit from a balanced fertilizer in summer
Size
up to 6″ (15 cm) wide
Scientific Name
Echeveria ‘Raindrops’
Common Name
Raindrops, Raindrops Echeveria, Rain Drops, E. Raindrops
Pronunciation
ech-eh-VER-ee-a
Pests
Mealybugs, aphids, vine weevils, rot
Flower
pink flowers
Toxicity
Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
There are so many types of echeverias that it’s hard to choose one. If you’re looking for an unusual beauty, then look no further than Echeveria Raindrops. Raindrops is popular for its carniculations. Actually, just raised areas on the leaves which store water. Often called bumps or warts. Furthermore, they are great for beginners. And easy to propagate. Below is everything you should know before growing this intriguing succulent.
Succulents, including Echeverias, store water in their leaves to survive drought. Additionally, the bumps or ‘raindrops’ on the leaves store water. However, if they are given too much water, the plant doesn’t think about trying to store any. Therefore, it won’t make those raindrops. All in all, this plant doesn’t have very high watering needs.
Replicate its natural habitat by giving your Echeveria a deep watering. Then, let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In fact, Echeveria Raindrops only need minimal water during the winter. Remember, as with most succulents, less is more! If in doubt, be sure to use a moisture meter. In addition, they are inexpensive. Hence, they really helped me when I was new to succulents.
Light for your Echeveria
Echeveria Raindrops has moderate light needs and thrives in partial to full sun. However, consistent exposure to full sun will bring out the deepest color Raindrops have to offer. Unfortunately, they will not survive a hard frost. But, if there is a risk of freezing temperatures, they can be brought indoors. Additionally, if your echeveria lives indoors, place in bright light near a sunny window. Or use a grow light if needed.
Temperature for your Echeveria
This frost-tender evergreen prefers warm climates, typically zones 9 through 11 (Minimum 30-40° F or -1.1- 4.4° C). Therefore, if you live in an area with a colder climate it is best to grow it in a container and then move it indoors in cooler months. Ideally, its environment should always be above 40° F. However, it can tolerate some cold temperatures from 25°- 30°F.
Echeveria Soil & Repotting
Well-draining soil is essential for keeping Echeverias happy. If your succulent is left sitting in water, it’s susceptible to rot and fungal diseases. Add pumice or perlite to the soil to help increase extra drainage and be sure to pick a pot with a drainage hole. I also like adding coarse sand with perlite to commercial potting soil for 2:1:1 ratio. Even when I use a commercial cactus soil mix I still add perlite for increased drainage.
Echeverias need to be repotted every few years to avoid compacted soil. Repot during the summer when the soil is dry. Start by gently brushing the soil off the roots. Then, inspect the roots for rot or other problems that are usually underground. Next, place in fresh well-draining soil. Finally, hold off on watering for a few days. This will allow the roots to get comfortable. Additionally, help it heal from any damage during transfer.
Fertilize your Echeveria
Fertilizer isn’t a priority with this plant. Although, if you want to give it a try, do so during summer. Use a liquid cactus or succulent fertilizer. It should be balanced or low-nitrogen.
Echeveria 'Raindrops' Toxicity
Raindrops is generally non-toxic to humans and animals. However, visit ASPCA for more detailed info. Or call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Echeveria Propagation
Raindrops naturally propagate via offsets. If you want to speed up the propagation process, this can be done by leaf and stem cuttings. Once you have the process down, you can easily multiply your Echeveria collection.
Leaf cuttings are taken by carefully removing the leaf off of the stem. Gently twist the leaf to ensure that you remove the entire leaf and don’t leave any parts behind. This will increase the chances of successful propagation. That section in between the leaf and stem is what enables the cutting to grow roots.
After removing the leaf, let it dry out for a few days so that the ends can callous over. Next, once dry, set it on top of well-draining soil. Then, mist it with water. Finally, keep the soil damp until new roots have grown in. As the leaves begin to take root, return to a regular watering schedule.
Stem cuttings follow almost the exact same process as leaf cuttings. First, take a sharp pair of scissors and cut off the top of the plant. Although, leave a few inches at the base. This may be a frightening experience at first. But, eventually you will be happy with the results. Finally, when removing offsets or stem cuttings, allow them to dry for three to five days (depending on your climate) before planting in soil or propagating in water.
Water propagation is one of my favorite methods and you can read more here. When placing in soil make sure the rosette is upright, and in well-draining soil. Additionally, you can test if it has roots by gently pulling on it. If there is resistance, it has established some roots. Furthermore, the base should eventually produce new babies. Follow the above watering suggested watering instructions for leaf cuttings.
Echeveria Flowers
Blue-green leaves create a stunning rosette on Echeveria Raindrops. Additionally, it’s dusted in frosty farina. You won’t miss flowers when growing Raindrops. In late winter to early spring, look for even more color when Raindrops grow pink flowers.
Echeveria Problems
Be wary of overwatering your Echeveria, which is the number one killer of succulents. Overwatering kills succulents much faster than underwatering. Symptoms of overwatering include yellow, mushy leaves that easily fall off. First, remedy this issue by removing your succulent from the overwatered soil. Then, place it in fresh well-draining soil. Next, off on watering for a week or so. Finally, if you still aren’t sure of when to water, a moisture meter. It will take out the guesswork.
Underwatering is harmful to Echeverias. However, much easier to fix. Give your succulent a good drink and it will usually perk up. When underwatered, the succulent leaves will shrivel up and the plant will wilt. Additionally, they can also send out air roots. Read more about air roots here.
Etiolation is a common. But, an easily preventable problem. When the plant isn’t getting enough sunlight, it stretches toward the sun. Therefore, if you don’t keep your echeveria in a bright location, it will grow stretched. To be specific, it will be less attractive than its typical compact rosette.
But, once stretched out, it will not return to its tight rosette. Propagate the stem as mentioned above. Furthermore, giving it a second chance and increasing your collection size.
What's in a name?
Echeveria Raindrops have warty bumps on mature leaves. These bumps, similar to a water droplet. Hence, giving this unique plant its name.
Echeveria Pest or Problems
Raindrops generally do not require a lot of maintenance. However, the bottom leaves will brown and die off as the Echeveria grows. This is normal. Although, be sure to remove dead leaves to keep the plant healthy. Additionally, we don’t want to attract pests like the evil mealybug!
Mealybugs are the biggest pest threat to your succulents. They love to hide in crevices on your Echeverias. So, be sure to inspect your plants regularly. For example, signs of mealy bugs appear in the form of a white cottony web or disfigured leaves. Be sure to eradicate them immediately. These small white scale insects drink the sap out of plants. Furthermore, secreting honeydew that attracts ants. A Q-tip dipped in alcohol or a spray from an organic pest killing soap will do the trick. In addition, read my complete post on mealybugs eradication here.
Aphids are less common but still a potential threat to Echeverias. Like mealybugs, they suck out the sap. However, if left untreated, they will eventually kill your succulent. Therefore, protect your echeveria by applying diatomaceous earth to the soil and neem oil to the succulent. Finally, use insecticidal soap to control existing infestations.
Vine weevil is a black beetle (flightless) that chews through leaves. Furthermore, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. Diatomaceous earth will prevent them. Unfortunately, vine weevils are resistant to most sprays. Hence, removing them manually is the most effective remedy for infestations. Since vine weevils are nocturnal, you’ll be able to find them easily at night.
In addition, learn more about Mealybug and pest eradication here.
Echeveria Diseases
Make sure you never let your Echeverias stand in water. Or else, the chances of root rot and other fungal diseases will increase. Unfortunately, root rot is caused by consistent moisture. Additionally, leading to bacterial infections. However, the good news is that it is easy to prevent. Therefore, avoid overwatering. Additionally, use a well-draining soil.
Root rot is best caught early. So, routinely check for rot on your Echeverias. For example, rotted sections will be brown or black and mushy. However, the rot usually starts in the roots. Next, spreading up the stem. If you find an infected part, you’ll have to remove it. Or else, it will spread. First, cut away the rotted section. Then, leave your succulent out of the soil for a few days so it can dry out and callous over. Finally, repot in fresh well-draining soil and keep an eye on watering.
Echeveria Sunburn
Brown spots may appear on your Echeveria Raindrops. As a result of most likely sunburn. Therefore, move your plant out of direct heat to prevent further damage. In addition, learn how to save your sunburned succulents here.
Watch our echeveria succulent care and unboxing video below. Succulents are from Succulents Box. Additionally, visit their website here and enter code: MOODYBLOOMS at checkout for 15% off your purchase.
Finally, complement your Echeveria 'Raindrops' with these varieties:
In conclusion, the Echeveria Raindrops will not disappoint. A perfect addition to any succulent garden. In addition to being a great conversation piece.
SEE MORE HOUSEPLANT TIPS:
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