Echeveria Lola

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📋 Quick Facts

Native Habitat

Mexico

Family

Crassulaceae

Water

Infrequent, allow soil to dry between waterings

Sunlight

Bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade

Soil

Well-draining cactus or succulent mix

Why it is called Echeveria Lola?

Echeveria Lola gets its name from the renowned Mexican botanist Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy. He made significant contributions to the study of succulent plants, and many Echeveria species are named in his honor.

The addition of "Lola" to the name likely refers to the plant's captivating and somewhat playful appearance, which is sure to make anyone fall in love with it.

The Appearance of Echeveria Lola

Echeveria Lola is characterized by its tightly packed rosette of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves. These leaves have a mesmerizing combination of colors, with shades of blue-green and pink or lavender along the edges. This striking coloration intensifies in bright light, making it a stunning addition to any succulent collection. The rosette can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, creating a delightful focal point in gardens, containers, or indoor displays.

Collectors often appreciate the stacked arrangement of Lola's leaves. You can achieve many layers of stacking by providing long hours of light, usually through artificial grow lights.

How to Care for Echeveria Lola

Light

Echeveria Lola thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Outdoors, ensure it gets protection from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves.

When grown indoors, place Echeveria Lola near a sunny window where it can receive ample sunlight. Providing 10-12 hours of bright light daily helps keep them compact, colorful, and encourages offset production. If it's challenging to ensure enough natural light, consider using artificial lighting (VIPARSPECTRA 1200W LED Grow Light highly recommended). Running artificial lights for 10-12 hours a day is recommended, but during the winter, you can shorten the duration to 8 hours.

It's important to note that all plants, even when grown with artificial light, benefit from a dormant period. Establishing a set schedule for your lights isn't necessary; simply turn them on in the morning and switch them off after dinner or whenever is convenient. While there may be occasional variations in the lighting duration, ensuring they consistently receive at least 8 hours of light will help keep your Echeveria Lola healthy and vibrant.

Watering

Like most succulents, Echeveria Lola prefers infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in the dormant season (fall and winter). Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to exercise caution.

If in doubt about watering, don't. The more you deprive your Lola of water, the more efficiently they seem to store it, getting nice & chubby.

Soil

Provide well-draining soil for your Echeveria Lola. A cactus or succulent potting mix is an excellent choice. A well-draining soil mix ensures that excess water doesn't accumulate around the roots.

Temperature

Echeveria Lola enjoys moderate temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Protect it from frost, as it is not cold-hardy and can be damaged by freezing temperatures.

Humidity

These succulents are adapted to low humidity conditions and do not require additional humidity. However, providing adequate air circulation can help prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizing

Feed your Echeveria Lola with a diluted, balanced, liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.

Pruning

Pruning is generally not necessary for Echeveria Lola unless you want to remove dead or damaged leaves to improve its appearance.

Repotting

Repot your Echeveria Lola every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a slightly larger pot and refresh the soil during repotting.

Dormancy

Echeveria Lola experiences a dormant period during the winter months when growth slows down. During this time, reduce watering to prevent overhydration.

Pests and Diseases

Echeveria Lola is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, watch out for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Is Echeveria Lola Toxic to Pets?

Echeveria Lola is generally considered non-toxic to pets. While it's always wise to keep pets away from your plants to prevent any accidental ingestion, this succulent is not known to be harmful to cats or dogs.

Where Can I Buy Echeveria Lola?

Echeveria Lola is a popular succulent and can be found in many nurseries, garden centers, or online plant shops. You can also consider trading or purchasing from fellow succulent enthusiasts.