Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’ care is easy once you learn a few tips. Also known as “Mexican Hens and Chicks” or ‘Silver Spoons Echeveria’. This beauty is from the Crassulaecea family. Runyonii is pronounced Ech-eh-VER-ee-a run-YON-ee-eye.
A fast growing and water-wise succulent. Leaves range in color from powdery pale blue-green to silvery-grey. The long leaves grow outward and then curl back towards the stemless rosette. Super easy to propagate. In addition, it grows very quickly.
Echeveria runyonii can be propagated from new offsets. Stem cuttings or mature leaves also work well. Mexican Hens & Chicks, can produce new offsets or “chicks” around the base of the mother plant. These offsets can be left to form a tight cluster or be separated and transplanted. When taking offsets or stem cuttings, allow them to dry for 3-5 days (depending on your climate) before planting in soil or propagating in water. The ends can be dipped in a rooting hormone to speed up new roots.
Water propagation is one of my favorite methods. I beheaded my Topsy Turvey plant. The top rosette was cut off to propagate, as well as the middle stem portion with a few leaves.
The stem was set in water to propagate after allowing it to callous over for a few days. Look at all the new babies that are forming. Who doesn’t love cute little succulent babies!?
Topsy Turvy is deer resistant and has also been known to attract hummingbirds. A perfect choice for succulent arrangements, rock gardens, or flower beds. It adds a unique contrast and texture. Great for borders, lovely just by itself, and even on green roofs.
Topsy Turvey grows 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall and 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) wide under the right growing conditions. This frost-tender evergreen prefers warm climates, typically zones 9 through 11 (Minimum 30-40° F or -1.1- 4.4° C). If you live in an area with colder climate it is best to grow it in a container and then move it indoors in cooler months.
Watering Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’
Runyonii thrives in partial to full sun. It is sensitive to overwatering, so be sure to only water when the soil in thoroughly dry. Remember with most succulents, less is more! If in doubt, be sure to use a moisture meter. Very inexpensive and it really helped me when I was new to succulents.
Topsy Turvey Soil & Fertilizer
Echeveria runyonii grows very quickly, and is super easy to propagate. They prefer a well draining soil (soil pH >7.0). Sandy soil, like a succulent or cacti soil is best. If using regular potting soil be sure to add some pumice or perlite to ensure good drainage. Fertilize sparingly and only do so in the growing season.
The bottom leaves will brown and die off as the Topsy Turvy grows, and this is normal. Be sure to remove these to keep the plant healthy and so that it does not attract pests like the evil mealybug! If signs of mealybugs appear in the form of a white cottony web or disfigured leaves, be sure to eradicate them immediately. A Q-tip dipped in alcohol or a spray from an organic pest killing soap will do the trick. Read my complete post on mealybugs eradication here.
Look for blooms from this pet-friendly succulent, in orange and yellow in the late summer or early fall. The flowers of Echeveria are produced on tall arching stalks, generally in a bell or urn shape. They are triggered into blooming by the intensity of the light they receive and temperatures. Many blooms open in a sequence. Sometimes taking several weeks to complete their bloom cycle. Blooms start from the end closest to the plant and will continue to bloom for about two weeks.
Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’ is a perfect addition to succulent arrangements. It adds color, texture, and contrast.
Here are some great companion plants to the Echeveria runyonii: String of Pearls (Senecio or Curio rowleyanus, Variegated Crassula Ovata, Ice Plant (Delosperma), Century Plant (Agave).
Surprisingly, I found a Topsy Turvy succulent while shopping at a 99 cents only store. Watch the video below to see some additional plant supply deals!
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