Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’

Description

The Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’, also known as the Donkey’s Tail Echeveria or simply Topsy Turvy, is a unique and eye-catching succulent prized for its unusual appearance and easy care requirements. Here’s a closer look at this quirky succulent:

Description:

• Leaves: This is the star feature! The Topsy Turvy boasts thick, fleshy, and spoon-shaped leaves that are unlike most Echeverias. Instead of growing flat or cupped upwards, the leaves curve downwards and inwards along the central stem, creating a cascading, upside-down V shape. The color can vary from a silvery-blue to a soft green, and the leaves may have a dusty waxy coating (farina) that helps protect them from sun and excessive water loss.
• Size: This succulent typically grows to a compact or cascading size, reaching 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) tall and spreading wider as the leaves drape over the pot.
• Flowers: During summer or fall, the plant might produce clusters of orange or yellow bell-shaped flowers on tall stalks, adding a touch of contrast to its unique foliage.

Growing Tips:

• Light: Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’ thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. A location near a south-facing window with sheer curtains is ideal. It can tolerate some direct sun in cooler climates, but avoid harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves.
• Water: As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a major threat. Water deeply only when the soil feels completely dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix is essential for Topsy Turvy. You can also create your own by mixing regular potting mix with perlite or coarse sand for better drainage.
• Temperature: This succulent enjoys warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). It cannot tolerate frost and thrives in normal room temperatures.
• Fertilizer: Feeding is not essential but can be done occasionally during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer.

Additional Tips:

• Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’ is a relatively fast-growing succulent, especially compared to other Echeverias.
• Repot only when the plant outgrows its current container, typically every few years. Choose a pot with drainage holes that’s slightly larger than the root ball. You may want to consider a hanging pot to accommodate the cascading growth habit.
• This succulent can be propagated from leaf cuttings, although it may take longer than other Echeveria varieties due to the unusual leaf shape.
• Topsy Turvy is generally pest and disease resistant, but keep an eye out for mealybugs or scale, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.

By following these tips, your Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’ will bring you joy for many years with its unique cascading foliage and occasional summer blooms, adding a touch of whimsy and flair to your succulent collection.