Unveiling the Enchanting Echeveria 'Blue Alice'
Imagine a captivating rosette of fleshy leaves, their surfaces dusted with a powdery farina that lends them a soft, blue-grey hue, often kissed with subtle pink or lavender undertones. This is Echeveria 'Blue Alice', a delightful succulent hybrid prized for its elegant form and tranquil coloration. A popular choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts, 'Blue Alice' brings a touch of serene beauty to indoor and outdoor succulent collections alike. Its relatively low-maintenance nature and striking appearance make it a cherished addition to windowsills, patios, and rock gardens.
 
Key Features of Echeveria 'Blue Alice'
Rosette Shape: Forms a compact and symmetrical rosette of thick, spoon-shaped leaves.
Blue-Grey Foliage: Leaves exhibit a beautiful blue-grey color, often enhanced by a powdery coating (farina) that contributes to its soft appearance.
Subtle Color Accents: Depending on light exposure and temperature, the leaf edges and tips can develop attractive pink or lavender hues.
Compact Size: Typically remains relatively small, making it ideal for containers and smaller spaces.
Flowering Stalks: Mature plants can send up slender stalks bearing bell-shaped flowers in shades of coral or orange.
 
Care for Your Echeveria 'Blue Alice'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too little light can lead to etiolation (stretching), while intense direct sun can cause sunburn. An east or west-facing window is often ideal indoors. Outdoors, provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil. A commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice works well.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F). Protect from frost.
Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels. Avoid overly humid environments.
 
Maintenance and Propagation of Echeveria 'Blue Alice':
Generally low maintenance. Gently remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the rosette. The farina on the leaves is a natural protectant; avoid touching it excessively as it doesn't regenerate. Repotting is typically needed every 1-2 years as the plant outgrows its container, ideally in the spring.
 
Propagation:
Leaf Cuttings: Carefully remove a healthy, mature leaf from the rosette. Allow the cut end to callus over for a few days. Place the leaf on top of well-draining soil or slightly insert the cut end. Mist lightly and keep in a warm, bright spot (indirect light) until roots and a new plantlet form.
Offsets (Pups): Mature Echeveria 'Blue Alice' plants may produce small offsets or "pups" around the base. Once these pups have developed their own roots, they can be carefully separated from the mother plant and potted individually.
Stem Cuttings: If the plant has developed a stem, it can be cut and allowed to callus before planting in well-draining soil.
 
Echeveria 'Blue Alice' offers a touch of understated elegance to any plant collection. Its captivating blue-grey rosettes, often kissed with delicate hues, coupled with its relatively simple care requirements, make it a delightful and rewarding succulent to grow. Whether displayed individually in a decorative pot or grouped with other succulents, 'Blue Alice' is sure to bring a sense of calm and beauty to your space.
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.