Growing a Topsy Turvy Echeveria is really simple and simple. It will require relatively little attention or upkeep with the correct start and circumstances. It is necessary to have soil that is gritty or sandy, has good drainage, and receives some to full sun.
Once you’ve planted your Topsy Turvy, water it anytime the soil totally dries out, which won’t happen very frequently. Only during the growing season is this necessary. You can water it even less in the winter.
As Topsy Turvy develops, the bottom leaves will die and turn brown; simply remove them to preserve the plant’s beauty and health. The main thing to watch out for is wetness as there aren’t many diseases that affect echeveria. This desert plant requires only sporadic watering and must remain primarily dry.
Growing Echeveria Topsy Turvy Indoors
This is probably one of the main causes of Topsy Turvy’s death. Being a sun-loving plant that requires a good daily dose of direct sunlight (4+ hours followed by bright light) to grow compact and attractive, this succulent is particularly difficult to maintain indoors. The Topsy Turvy and the majority of succulents will suffer indoors due to the lack of light, the humidity, and insufficient fresh air.
Only a few circumstances allow Echeveria Topsy Turvy to be produced indoors. Either a bright sunroom, a huge sunny window in an extremely bright room, or high-quality plant growing lights are required. If not, the plant is likely to stretch out and become lanky before dying after a month or two.
It is advisable to keep Echeveria Topsy Turvy outside in some sunlight. Since Topsy Turvy is not cold tolerant and needs a place to spend the winter, it may be challenging to maintain it outside in winter in regions with frequent frosts or snowfall.
The sunniest window should be picked, and it should only be left in during frosts, if you want to overwinter Topsy Turvy indoors. This succulent can withstand temperatures higher than 1C/33.8F. It might also be aided by purchasing plant growing lights.
When Echeveria Topsy Turvy begins to decline indoors, it should still be feasible to bring it back to life by gradually exposing it to sunlight. The plant could get shock and burns if it is overly shaded for an extended period of time (much like people would get sunburned in the sun after winter).
The plant can be positioned in an area that receives a few hours of early sun followed by brilliant shade because morning sun is relatively gentle. The plant will eventually be able to tolerate increasing amounts of sun. The top of Topsy Turvy may need to be trimmed off and placed back in the sun in a new pot if it has grown too long and looks lanky or tall.
In about a month, roots will sprout, and the growth will self-correct. The good news is that fresh offsets will grow when the top portion of the rosette is removed (at the stalk’s root end), giving you access to extra plants.
Too Much Sun Exposure During Severe Heatwaves
Despite being a sun-loving succulent, the leaf of Echeveria Topsy Turvy can become burned on exceptionally hot days. This succulent should be fine exposed to the sun in most situations, however heatwaves with temperatures over 35C (95F) may cause the leaves to wilt. A plant will heat up to much more than 35C if it is in a black pot. The plant may be killed and cooked alive as a result.
At our nursery west of Sydney, Australia, summertime highs frequently exceed 40C (104F), at which point most plants (and other living things) suffer from exposure to direct sunlight. Since weather forecasts show what the temperature will be like in the shade rather than in the full sun, direct sun is frequently much hotter than predicted temperatures.
We occasionally even reach 45C (113F), which makes it very difficult to spend extended periods of time outside. But our plants always survive the summer with the assistance of a shade cloth (30%). Echeveria Topsy Turvy has survived our challenging summers time and time again. Moving plants to a sheltered area (under a tree or covered verandah) for the length of the heatwave will work if you don’t have a shade cloth.
Not Enough Water
Although it may go against what most people would assume, we have found that Echeveria Topsy Turvy does not appear to mind water and thrives more when watered frequently. Of course, this does not apply if the plant is kept indoors throughout the winter because the water does not evaporate as quickly as it would outside.
Additionally, we have never observed Topsy Turvy rot from being overwatered or exposed to the elements. When it rains, we leave the nursery’s Topsy Turvy plants all out in the open.
When Topsy Turvy isn’t given enough water, especially during a hot, dry summer, it begins to lose its bottom leaves. Even though it takes a lot of work, droughts and heat waves can entirely kill this succulent if it is not given adequate water.
Give your Echeveria Topsy Turvy a good old drink if you see the bottom leaves progressively drying up and becoming crispy. Even plants that have suffered severe water loss can still be rescued.
Root-bound Plants
When roots extend all the way to the bottom of a pot and begin to grow tightly, it nearly seems as though the entire potting mix has vanished and been replaced by roots, which is when a plant is said to be root-bound.
While many succulents are intentionally grown in this way to become more colorful and hefty, they require a little extra care to keep their aesthetic appeal. Some plants are also more resilient than others.
The lower leaves of Echeveria Topsy Turvy will begin to wilt and die off when it is rootbound. The remaining rosette will constrict and develop thick leaves. The plant may entirely dry out and die if it is subjected to harsh conditions, such as a hot sun, and is not given regular watering.
The Topsy Turvy has the ability to reach a diameter of around 20 cm, and in a large enough pot, it will also generate a large number of offsets and flowers during the flowering seasons. Rootbound plants typically conserve energy by developing few offsets and by expanding slowly.
We advise not letting this particular succulent become root-bound during the hot and dry months and changing the pot once or twice a year. Though there is no need to worry, Echeveria Topsy Turvy can tolerate remaining in the same pot for a while. However, when the bottom leaves begin to dry up and fall off, it may be time to move to a larger container.
How frequently should a topsy-turvy succulent be watered?
The Royal Horticultural Society’s esteemed Award of Garden Merit was given to this plant. The rosettes can reach heights and widths of 8 to 12 inches. In sandy or well-drained soil, plant these. Even though the plant can tolerate drought, you can water it sometimes as long as you let it dry out entirely before doing so. Additionally, avoid watering plants when they are dormant.
These need at least five hours of direct sunshine each day, or partial to full sunlight. These can be grown indoors in the winter as long as the plants receive enough light. The plants produce offset growth in the spring. Those tiny rosettes can be divided to produce new plants. indigenous to Mexico.
Why is the yellowing of my Topsy Turvy?
Another low-maintenance succulent that is simple to grow is the Topsy Turvy Echeveria. As long as you take good care of it, it will prosper and survive. The following advice will help you properly care for your Topsy Echeveria.
Watering Technique
The Topsy Turvy Echeveria is sensitive to irrigation much like every other succulent. It is best to wait for the soil to dry out before watering when using the soak and dry approach.
Topsy Turvy doesn’t have a set timetable for watering, but the amount of water it gets is determined by the weather outside. You can water your plant once or twice a week during the blooming season, but always make sure the soil is completely dry between waterings. Reduce your irrigation over the winter. Once a month is plenty.
Water is stored inside your Topsy Turvy Echeveria; let it use this water before watering it again. Additionally, it is crucial to check that the soil and the vegetation are both dry.
If the leaves on your Topsy Turvy are dropping or becoming yellow, your watering regimen may be off. Make sure to keep an eye on your plant to see whether it is getting too much or not enough water.
Lighting Condition
Crazy as a top When given enough sunlight, Echeveria grows well and prefers full to partial sunlight, like the majority of Echeveria.
The most important thing while growing your Topsy Turvy succulent outside is to make sure it gets at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is preferable to position this succulent in a location where it receives full sunshine in the morning and a little afternoon shade. Full to partial sunlight is fine, but the afternoon sun could burn its leaves.
You can also cultivate your Topsy Turvy Echeveria indoors. When growing inside, it is preferable to find a location where it might receive sunshine; ideally, this should be next to or by the window sill so that your succulent can get filtered sunlight. Growing lights can help if your succulent still doesn’t get enough sunshine.
Temperature
The best conditions for Topsy Turvy Echeveria to live are between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is not cold hardy and could be killed by a severe frost.
Rock gardens are an ideal setting for Topsy Turvy Echeveria. Planting them in a container is an alternative if you live in a region that experiences temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit because growing them in one would require a moderate atmosphere throughout the year. You can move it inside during the colder months and then move it back outside when the weather is suitable for your succulent.
Soil
Good quality soil is preferred by Topsy Turvy Echeveria. Given that this succulent can grow in tiny fissures in rocky outcroppings, it is advisable to pick sandy soils with excellent drainage. With potting soil for succulents and cacti that has a Ph level higher than 7.0, this succulent will thrive.
Another smart choice is to add grit to your soil, such as Pertile and coarse sand. It aids in preventing water from adhering to the soil mixture. Your Topsy Turvy’s roots could rot if there is too much water in the soil.
A combination of stones, soil, and sand is another excellent substrate for your Topsy Turvy.
Fertilizer
Topsy Turvy Echeveria is not constantly in need of fertilizer. When the area around the plant is warm, you can apply a 15-15-15 diluted solution or less to increase its beauty and lengthen its blooming period. Echeveria Rain Drops Use a less nitrogenous fertilizer if you intend to fertilize young Echeveria plants. Reduce or stop using fertilizers throughout the winter.
Pruning
This plant might use some light pruning. Carefully remove the bottom leaves of your Topsy Turvy as they start to turn brown or yellow. In order to encourage the plant to generate flowers once again, it is also crucial to remove wilted flowers.
Pest
Deer and rabbit resistance to Topsy Turvy Echeveria has been demonstrated. Other pests like Mealybugs, vine weevils, aphids, slugs, and snails can still harm it.
Mealybugs are pests that produce honeydews that draw ants, and they typically develop on the axis of leaves. Use cloth that has been dipped in alcohol to gently remove them. You might make a DIY spray by combining a tablespoon of dishwashing soap with water if the infestation is significantly greater and is damaging a significant amount of your plant. Spray this mixture on the damaged area with caution, and then do it again in a few days.
Aphids are yet another pest that could harm your Topsy Turvy Echeveria. These soft-bodied insects consume the sap from your succulent. Use a mild mixture of water and dish soap to gently remove them. Every few days, repeat the process by wiping them off the leaves or spraying them with the prepared solution.
Your Topsy Turvy may be harmed by vine weevils, especially the adult varieties. Manual removal is the best method for getting rid of this pest; ideally, do it at night while they are eating and have a torch nearby.
Slugs and snails can occasionally cause problems for your Topsy Turvy Echeveria. Crushing several eggshells and sprinkling them around your plant is the simplest way to get rid of these pests.
Pot
It’s crucial to pick the correct pot for your Topsy Turvy. Both plastic and clay pots will work well for this succulent, but go for a wider rather than a deeper one. Make sure the plant bowl has holes to allow the plant to drain excess water.
Repotting
Even though repotting your Topsy Turvy Echeveria is not frequently required, it is crucial after purchasing your succulent. To quickly knock off the old ground, it is best to do this when the succulent soil is dry. However, the old soil must be carefully removed from the roots of the plant.
Although it doesn’t take much effort to repot this succulent, you must look for and clip off any rotten or dead roots in order to prevent the spread of fungus.
How often should Echeveria be watered?
One of my responsibilities as a child was to water all of the houseplants. I padded around the house filling each pot until it was nearly overflowing each day after filling up the plastic watering can. I cherished listening for the water’s inconspicuous drip as it seeped through the ground. I could tell the plants needed to drink, and it made me feel good to do it.
One week after bringing home my first plant family, we cut to my adult apartment where two of my babies are looking ruffled. They were strong and healthy when I initially placed them on the kitchen ledge, but today, well, you be the judge.
Succulents and aloes are two deceptively difficult indoor plants to maintain. By the way, the other plants in my house—the flamingo flower, spider plant, prayer plant, and zz plant—all appear to be healthy. These two, though, prefer drier soil; they would detest having to water their plants every day. But because I was a brand-new plant mother, I wanted to greet them with open arms.
The aloe’s stunning coral petals started to dry up and fall off after a week. I wrote to Wade Wheatley, a horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden, in a panic and inquired as to whether I had overwatered the plants. He noted that the aloe’s bloom cycle, which lasts from winter to spring, may be coming to an end and that it is entirely normal for the blossoms to fall. Phew!
On the other hand, the succulent doesn’t appear typical. What’s left of the leaves appears to be wilting and smushy, and the bottom half of them have fallen off (some even slipped off with the least touch). I recalled Wheatley suggesting that damp succulent leaves can indicate overwatering.
I went to Kathie Hayden, manager of the Garden’s Plant Information Service, the go-to person for all things plant-related, for a detailed diagnostic.
About diagnosing and treating their plants, visitors ask all kinds of inquiries to Hayden. Following her review of my plant pictures, she stated what follows:
“The aloe’s stem has turned brown and the only thing I can make out about it is that the flowering has ceased. Pruning the stem back is secure.
“The wide genus of succulents known as echeveria plants like ordinary warmth from spring to autumn, but colder temperatures in the winter. If at all feasible, try to put the plant in a cooler area during the winter. Echeveria need frequent watering from spring through fall, so water as soon as the soil starts to feel dry. In the cold, you shouldn’t use the same amount of water. It should be sufficient to water the plant every one to two months. There may be fewer leaves of lighter color because you’ve been watering more frequently. Hopefully the plant will start to produce new growth if you allow the soil to somewhat dry out. The plant can be kept in a south-facing window, however during the summer you might wish to give some shade. No more humidity is required. In the heat, some additional fresh air will be beneficial.
The decision? Most likely, the succulent is overwatered. I’ll cut back my aloe plant, give the succulent a month to settle, then relocate it to a window with more shade.
- Not every plant is made equally. Some indoor plants require continual hydration, while others can endure dry conditions. The amount and frequency of watering your plant should depend on the individual care instructions for it.
- Don’t forget to include drainage holes to your container. If it doesn’t, moisture may become trapped in the soil, obstructing the roots’ access to oxygen and resulting in root rot.
- Completely soak the root ball. Make sure to water the plants until water spills out of the drainage holes. By doing this, the entire root system gets irrigated. (Note: “Typically, root-bound plants have issues because water just rolls off and down the sides of the pot rather than penetrating the root ball. You are most likely looking at dead roots if the roots have dried out, according to Hayden.)