Echeveria (Echeveria spp.) care guide
Quick answer
Water your Echeveria when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that’s typically every 11 to 17 days.
- WateringEvery 11 to 17 days · summer
Every 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 11 to 17 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Echeveria needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your Echeveria every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
Humidity30–60%
Echeveria is comfortable between 10 and 27 °C (50–81 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Echeveria is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water an Echeveria?
Water your Echeveria (Echeveria spp.) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does an Echeveria need?
Echeveria needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Is Echeveria safe for cats and dogs?
Echeveria is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why is my Echeveria turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted genus · native range · accepted species count
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPreferences · Dislikes · houseplant and summer-outdoor context · Plant profile · taxonomy and growing conditions
- Iowa State University Extension and OutreachOver Watering · Under Watering · Root Rot · Insufficient Light · Sun Damage · Mealybug
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlVariegated Wax Plant Echeveria sp. non-toxicity mention · not a genus-wide Echeveria spp. record
- How we check our plant advice
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