Characteristics: The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, with slightly inward-curved pointed tips and covered with white powder, typically light grayish-green or light bluish-gray. With abundant sunlight and significant temperature fluctuations, they turn into a vibrant purple-pink color. The leaves are numerous and arranged densely in a rosette pattern, with a diameter of up to 20 centimeters. These perennial plants grow in dense clusters, reaching a height of 10-12 centimeters, with each rosette having a diameter of 15-20 centimeters. They bloom in spring, with spike-like inflorescences bearing bell-shaped flowers, each with five lobes; the inner petals are yellow, while the outer ones are pink.
Usage: Ornamental.
The Echeveria Violet Queen is a perennial succulent herbaceous plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, under the genus Lenophyllum. It is a medium-sized variety. The leaves are densely arranged in a rosette shape, which turns into a dreamy purple-pink color under strong light, with transparent icy edges. One of its parent plants is Moonlight. There is no apparent dormant period, and its growth is relatively rapid compared to other plants of the same genus. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, with slightly inward-curved pointed tips and covered with white powder, typically light grayish-green or light bluish-gray. With abundant sunlight and significant temperature fluctuations, they turn into a vibrant purple-pink color (usually most vibrant in late autumn or winter). The leaves are numerous and arranged densely in a rosette pattern, with a diameter of up to 20 centimeters. These perennial plants grow in dense clusters, reaching a height of 10-12 centimeters, with each rosette having a diameter of 15-20 centimeters. They bloom in spring, with spike-like inflorescences bearing bell-shaped flowers, each with five lobes; the inner petals are yellow, while the outer ones are pink.
The Echeveria Violet Queen prefers environments with abundant sunlight, coolness, dryness, and good ventilation; it can tolerate partial shade and light frost but dislikes waterlogging, heat, and humidity. It grows throughout the year without an apparent dormant period, but its growth rate slows during the summer. Insufficient sunlight can result in elongated leaves and a gradual dimming of their red color, diminishing their ornamental value. Conversely, plants grown in abundant sunlight have a compact, sturdy appearance with tightly arranged, attractive leaves. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -6 to -3 degrees Celsius. Over-watering can lead to root waterlogging and plant rot, especially in humid summers, so watering should be done cautiously. Generally, watering should be done 2-4 times a month, following the principle of allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Fertilization should be done lightly once or twice a month; care should be taken not to splash water on the leaves during watering, as this can leave unsightly water stains. Providing appropriate shading during hot summers and controlling watering in winter is recommended. The growing medium can be a mixture of peat, pumice, and perlite, with an adequate amount of basal fertilizer added.
Propagation:
The Echeveria Violet Queen is relatively easy to propagate by division or leaf insertion. Although leaf insertion is possible, it has a longer cycle, and rooting may be challenging. Successful leaf insertion is highly dependent on suitable environmental conditions, such as climate, and is best done in spring.
Care:
Potting Soil: It is best to choose relatively fertile soil for planting the Echeveria Violet Queen because of its vigorous growth. A mixture of leaf mold, coarse pumice, and river sand can help maintain soil aeration and water retention, meeting the plant's moisture requirements for vibrant growth.
Light Exposure: The Echeveria Violet Queen thrives in bright sunlight. Placing it on a sunny balcony or near a window is ideal. Adequate sunlight is crucial for vibrant leaf colors and compact, glossy leaves. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant's leaves to droop and appear dull. During the summer, proper ventilation and shading are necessary to prevent leaf burn.
Watering: The Echeveria Violet Queen is relatively drought-tolerant but dislikes waterlogging. It is essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule, typically once a week, to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy growth. Spraying water around the plant during hot summers can help cool it down, but care should be taken to avoid wetting the leaves, as water residue can be unsightly.