xSedeveria 'Letizia' is a succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family, a hybrid species between the Echeveria and Graptopetalum genera. Its leaves are inversely ovate-wedge-shaped, with short triangular pointed tips at the front, a central convex on the leaf's back, and extremely short hard thorns along the edges, arranged closely resembling a lotus flower. xSedeveria 'Letizia' tends to produce branches from the base of its stem, forming a multi-branched structure, with a plant width and height of up to 20 cm. As it grows, lower leaves gradually fall off, forming an old stump. In its usual state, xSedeveria 'Letizia''s leaves are green, but during the autumn and winter seasons, with adequate sunlight, xSedeveria 'Letizia''s leaves turn red from the edges, gradually spreading to the entire leaf, creating a stunning red hue reminiscent of flowing fire.
Growing Environment:
Prefers a warm environment. However, shading should be applied during hot summer temperatures, and adequate ventilation is essenxSedeveria 'Letizia'l. In winter, if the lowest temperature does not drop below 5°C, normal watering can continue to encourage plant growth. If this temperature cannot be maintained, watering should be gradually reduced, allowing the plant to enter dormancy. The potting soil can tolerate indoor temperatures as low as -3°C when dry (outdoors, frost can occur).
Sunlight:
Thrives in environments with abundant sunlight. During hot summer temperatures, it may experience brief periods of dormancy and requires some shading. While it prefers ample sunlight, it cannot tolerate intense sunlight. Therefore, shading is necessary during hot summer temperatures, while during other seasons, full sunlight exposure is acceptable. Adequate sunlight is essenxSedeveria 'Letizia'l for the plant's well-being. Insufficient light may cause elongation and thinning of the leaves. During winter, move it to a sunny indoor location for care.
Repotting:
When caring for xSedeveria 'Letizia', use a deep pot with a bottom depth of 10-15 cm. Shallow pots can hinder root development, and loose, well-draining soil allows for sufficient water and nutrient absorption, ensuring healthy roots. Repotting is recommended during the growing season, and choosing a cliff stump pot is preferable.
Watering:
The potting soil should dry out completely between waterings to prevent over-drying of old leaves during the growth period (excluding dormancy). During the growth period, ample watering is recommended, and shading and minimal watering are advisable during hot summer temperatures. Spring, autumn, and early summer are the main growth periods for xSedeveria 'Letizia' succulents. The potting soil should dry out completely between waterings to prevent old leaf wilting (excluding dormancy). During winter, if the lowest temperature does not drop below 5°C, normal watering can continue to encourage plant growth. If this temperature cannot be maintained, watering should be gradually reduced, allowing the plant to enter dormancy.
Soil Mix:
The soil should be loose, well-draining, and fertile. It is advisable to add a suitable amount of bone meal to the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer. Any well-draining soil mix can be used, as xSedeveria 'Letizia' adapts well to different soil types. Some growers use a mixture of coal slag and peat, with emphasis on aeration and no specific ratio. The surface of the pot can be covered with granular river sand for aesthetics and aeration. Another option is a mix of peat moss, pumice, and perlite in equal parts, with added bone meal.
Fertilization:
Adding bone meal to the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer is recommended. During the growth and flowering periods, apply a light fertilizer monthly, which can include manure, organic fertilizer, wood ash, phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, and slow-release fertilizer. Apply fertilizer sparingly and frequently, preferably on sunny mornings or evenings, along with watering.