Echeveria macdougallii — a hard houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Echeveria macdougallii

Echeveria Macdougallii

Updated · 3 observations
ON THIS PLANT
A note from PlantMom

Echeveria sedoides has moderate disease resistance and is particularly sensitive to humidity. It becomes susceptible to illness when humidity is high and is prone to root rot while dormant. In terms of care, Echeveria sedoides tolerates drought but requires more water during the growing season. Watering should be sharply reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Echeveria sedoides is appropriate for growers with some experience, but it can be challenging to care for, especially during dormancy. It is best suited to people who can devote time to its care during the winter months.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Echeveria Macdougallii.

Light

Echeveria sedoides does best with abundant sunlight and can tolerate shadier conditions, though not as well. Light strongly influences its growth and encourages robust health. Its native habitat supplies this kind of light. Too much or too little exposure can negatively affect the plant’s well-being.

Water

Echeveria sedoides, native to arid regions, is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal moisture to thrive. It should be watered every 2 to 3 weeks and benefits from well-draining soil to prevent root rot. This evergreen plant is commonly grown indoors.

Temperature

Echeveria sedoides is native to areas where temperatures range from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). In temperate regions, it prefers a moderately warm setting with slight seasonal variation toward both cooler and warmer periods.

Fertilizer

Echeveria sedoides only needs light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before feeding. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes flowering.

Pruning

To help your Echeveria sedoides keep its shape, trim any dense or excess branches in the spring and fall using tools like knives or scissors. If you want to propagate the plant, cut a sturdy stem that has 5-6 leaves. Treat the cut area with sulfur powder, and let it heal before planting it in slightly moist soil.

Pot & Repot

When repotting Echeveria sedoides, choose a pot just a bit larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old container, brush off excess soil, and place it at the same depth. Wait several days before watering to allow any root injury to heal. Repot in spring or autumn, and position it in a brightly lit spot.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Echeveria
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
15 cm
Mature Spread
5 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green, Pale Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink, Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Mexico
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What should I do if I give my Echeveria sedoides too much or too little water?

Echeveria sedoides is a succulent that can tolerate periods without water, so it's rare to find one suffering from underwatering. However, if you forget to water it for a month or more, you'll likely notice that the plant looks dehydrated and may have some damage. Signs of an underwatered Echeveria sedoides include a lackluster appearance, wrinkling, drying up, browning, and dropping off. To remedy this, you should give the plant plenty of water by submerging the pot in water for 5-10 minutes and ensuring the soil is properly rehydrated. On the other hand, overwatering is dangerous for Echeveria sedoides and can be fatal if not addressed. Too much moisture leads to root rot, where fungi and bacteria thrive in the soil and consume the roots. Symptoms of overwatering include yellow, swollen, and translucent organs, which may burst open. Over time, the plant may turn brown or black and the leaves may fall off easily. It's important to check the soil to confirm overwatering as the cause, as similar symptoms can be caused by other issues. Saving an overwatered plant can be challenging, but not impossible. To increase chances of success, it's crucial to catch the problem early before significant damage occurs. Start by removing the plant from its pot and examining the roots and soil. If root rot is present, the roots will be dark brown or black, soft, mushy, or slimy. If most of the roots are affected, it may not be possible to save the plant. In this case, it's best to remove any healthy stems and attempt to propagate new Echeveria sedoides. If only a portion of the roots are affected, there is hope for saving the plant. Use a sterilized cutting tool to remove unhealthy roots, leaving behind only firm and pale roots. It's advisable to dip these roots in a fungicide to eliminate any remaining spores. Afterward, repot the Echeveria sedoides in fresh, well-draining soil. While not guaranteed, this approach often leads to a full recovery and new growth in the next growing season.

Why should I use plant food for my Echeveria sedoides?

Fertilizing Echeveria sedoides during the growing season is beneficial because it adds nutrients to the growing medium and supports healthy growth. Additionally, it can encourage mature specimens to produce blooms.

How much sun does Echeveria sedoides need to grow?

To ensure the Echeveria sedoides thrives, it is recommended to provide it with a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily, although more would be ideal. The exact minimum may differ depending on factors like light intensity and environment. However, it is unlikely that the Echeveria sedoides will receive excessive sunlight, as it can tolerate up to 14 hours of sun each day.

What temperature is best for your Echeveria sedoides?

It is best to maintain specific conditions for the Echeveria sedoides plant. Ideally, temperatures between 75-90℉ (25-32℃) are most suitable. During early winter, the temperature should not drop below 75℉(25℃) for the Echeveria sedoides. If you move it indoors, it will be better protected against extreme temperatures. However, the Echeveria sedoides can still survive in some extreme temperatures. It can sometimes tolerate lower temperatures like 50℉ (15℃), but this is not ideal. If you anticipate winter conditions outside, it is recommended to bring the plant indoors.

How frequently should I water my Echeveria sedoides?

Determining how often to water Echeveria sedoides doesn't have a definite answer. The best approach is to check the soil and only water when it's completely dry. You can use your finger or a moisture meter to assess the moisture level below the surface. For deep pots, you can use a stick or chopstick. If the soil feels even slightly damp, wait a few days and check again. Although most people will typically water Echeveria sedoides every two weeks in summer and once a month in winter, this frequency can vary based on different factors. The section below provides some considerations to help you determine the appropriate watering schedule.

When should I fertilize my Echeveria sedoides plant for best results?

Echeveria sedoides, like other plants, benefits from added nutrients. However, it only requires a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season. Ideally, you should fertilize it 1-2 times a year. It is recommended to do so in the spring and autumn, avoiding winter and summer when it is dormant. Take extra care when fertilizing repotted plants, as you should decrease the fertilizer amount. Additionally, it's best to wait a few months after repotting before applying any fertilizer.

What kind of sunlight does Echeveria sedoides require?

Echeveria sedoides, also known as a full-sun plant, requires abundant bright sunlight to thrive. They can do well in direct light or bright indirect sun. While certain types may tolerate partial sun, it is generally ideal to provide them with as much sunlight as possible for optimal growth.

How do I change the temperature for my Echeveria sedoides as it grows?

Echeveria sedoides goes through different growing phases. First, the dormant seed grows and becomes a seedling. The dormant seeds require specific conditions, like a temperature of 75-90℉ (25-32℃), to germinate. Ideally, the seedling will grow best during the summer when temperatures are around 85℉ (30℃). During this time, it's helpful to move your Echeveria sedoides from indoors to a sunny spot to ensure it gets enough sunlight.

What things do I need to think about when watering my Echeveria sedoides?

To properly water your Echeveria sedoides, it's important to consider a few environmental factors. These include the size of the container, type of soil, temperature, and humidity. First, choose a container with good drainage to allow excess water to escape. The container size and soil type determine how often and how much water to use. A small container holds less moisture and requires more frequent watering, while a larger pot stays wet longer and needs less water. Avoid using an oversized pot as it can lead to overwatering. When repotting, choose a container that is only one size larger than the current one, and opt for a shallow container as Echeveria sedoides has shallow roots. In terms of season, Echeveria sedoides requires less watering in winter when growth slows down. The cooler air reduces evaporation, keeping the soil wet for longer periods. The general climate of your location also affects watering needs. If you live in a humid or rainy area, you'll need to water less frequently compared to a dry, arid climate. Remember that seasonal changes and indoor temperature control can influence conditions even in the same geographic location. If you have planted your Echeveria sedoides in the ground, it typically doesn't require additional watering once its root system is established. However, during a prolonged dry period, occasional watering may be necessary. If you are growing Echeveria sedoides in a container, it can be moved outdoors during suitable temperatures in spring and summer. When kept outside, it will likely require more watering due to increased sun exposure, even if it's on a shaded porch.

When is it not a good idea to add fertilizer to my Echeveria sedoides plant?

Echeveria sedoides, like other plants, enters a dormant phase during summer and winter. During this time, it is best to refrain from applying fertilizer. Additionally, after repotting in the spring, it is advisable to hold off on fertilizing for a few months.

Do I need to shield Echeveria sedoides from sunlight?

Echeveria sedoides is a plant that thrives in hot and sunny environments, and it doesn't require sun protection. However, if you're planning to move it to a sunnier location, caution is advised. Give the plant time to adjust by gradually increasing its exposure to sunlight. Start by allowing it a few hours of sun each day, then gradually extend the duration. Once it has acclimated, most varieties of Echeveria sedoides will be able to handle full sun without any issues.

How do I make sure my Echeveria sedoides stays warm during cold seasons?

During the winter, it's a good idea to bring your Echeveria sedoides indoors to protect it from the harsh weather. Some people choose to use grow lights to ensure the plant gets enough sunlight, but if your home isn't very dark, you may not need these lights. Just make sure to place your plants where they will get the most sunlight possible. This should provide enough light for the Echeveria sedoides to thrive during the winter. If you have multiple plants, you can rotate them so they all get enough sunlight. However, if you live in a northern area with very cold weather, avoid placing your Echeveria sedoides too close to the window, as the extreme cold can damage them.

ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.