Growing Echeveria

Pronunciation: ek-eh-ver'-ee-ah

It's a rare houseplant that appreciates the arid atmosphere of a centrally heated winter, but Echeveria is one that does. Give these succulents at least 6-8 hours of sun daily in a west- or south-facing window. Water when the top 1 inch of potting mix is dry. During the growing season (April to September), fertilize monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) mixed at ½ the recommended strength.

Echeverias are attractive outdoors, too, in borders, rock gardens and terrace containers, where they mix well with other succulents and annuals. They will grow in average garden soil and need watering only during dry weather after becoming established. Beyond their normal hardiness range, pot up some to grow indoors over winter.