Question
Hi,
About a year ago I bought a small potted (2.5 inch in diameter pot) echeveria. I placed the plant on my windowsill at work which receives direct sunlight. A few weeks later I noticed the leaves started falling off. I assumed it needed a bigger pot (about 5 inches). As soon as I put it in a bigger pot, it started flourishing. The plant then needed to be transferred to a bigger pot (7.5 inches in diameter). The plant is now 13 inches tall and is started to fall over. I have it supported with a small trellis, but am afraid it may snap in half if I don't do something about it. Please help!
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Maria,

There are hundreds of different types of Echeverias so it is hard to know just what you have. A photo posted here or emailed to me at [email protected] would help.

That said, it seems that your Echeveria needs to be pruned back. Some Echeveria species grow tall stems that are not strong enough to support their heavy leaf rosettes. If that is what you have, then you should cut the stem about 2 inches below the lowest leaves. Let the cutting dry in the air overnight. Then insert the stem cutting into a small pot filled with a porous potting mix or in the base of the existing plant. The cutting will develop new roots and the plant will continue to grow until it needs to be pruned back again.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com