Echeveria Rainbow, also known as Echeveria West Rainbow, is a lot like its name suggests—a succulent with rosettes resembling a rainbow, stunningly unreal. Luckily, unlike real rainbows, Echeveria Rainbow doesn't vanish in an instant.
This variety is a natural mutation from Echeveria 'Perle von Nürnberg', sharing similar leaf shape and structure. Its spoon-shaped leaves are delicately concave inside and pronounced outside, with gently curved tips presenting an elegant arc. The key difference lies in color; while 'Perle von Nürnberg' is gray-purple, Echeveria Rainbow features green-blue centers with pink or creamy stripes at the edges, blending naturally.
Echeveria Rainbow is relatively stable as a variegated variety, maintaining its rainbow hues over time and easily producing more rainbow succulents through propagation.
Two Common Ways to Propagate Rainbow Succulents
The most common methods for propagating rainbow succulents are beheading and offset propagation. If you're new to succulents and unfamiliar with these methods, let's get to know them better.
Beheading Propagation: This involves cutting off the rosette of a single-head succulent and replanting it to propagate. It's also useful for leggy or stretched succulents—trimming elongated stems and replanting the compact rosette.
Offset Propagation: This method entails cutting or separating offsets from a cluster or multi-headed succulent for propagation.
Don't worry about damaging the mother plant with these propagation methods. In fact, both beheading and offset propagation can encourage Echeveria to produce more babies, fostering a healthy growth cycle.
Are you ready to propagate your Echeveria Rainbow? Let's dive into two popular methods: beheading and offset propagation.
Beheading Propagation Guide for Echeveria Rainbow:
You'll need:
A mature Echeveria Rainbow with a rosette size of at least 4 inches.
Small knife or fishing line for cutting.
Cinnamon powder or rooting hormone (optional).
New pot and fresh soil.
Follow these steps to propagate Echeveria Rainbow through beheading:
Choose the Right Beheading Location:
To increase success and preserve the mother plant, aim to behead around the second or third layer of leaves from the bottom. This cutting will have enough energy to grow while the mother plant retains a healthy rosette. Once rooted, it can become a multi-headed Echeveria Rainbow.
Use the Correct Tools:
Use a clean knife or fishing line; ensure the knife is sanitized. For tightly packed rosettes, fishing line can be wrapped and pulled for a clean cut.
Let the Beheading Cutting Callus:
Place the cutting in a clean, well-lit, and ventilated area with the wound facing up. Allow 5-7 days for the wound to callus and turn white. Optionally, apply cinnamon powder or rooting hormone to protect against fungal infections.
Plant the Beheading Cutting:
Plant the cutting in a pot with succulent/cactus soil mix, placing it gently on the surface. Keep it on a bright windowsill or plant shelf and wait patiently for roots to develop.
Check Progress After 7 Days:
Gently tug the Echeveria Rainbow; resistance indicates root growth. Gradually increase sunlight and water as needed.
Ready to multiply your Echeveria Rainbow? Let's dive into offset propagation!
What You'll Need:
Mature cluster of Echeveria Rainbow.
Small knife or scissors for cutting.
Cinnamon powder or rooting hormone (optional).
New pot and fresh soil.
Step-by-Step Guide for Offset Propagation:
Select Suitable Offsets:
When you spot offsets on your succulent, don't rush to cut them. Opt for offsets with a diameter of at least 2cm for better success.
Cut the Offset:
Use scissors or a small knife to separate offset cuttings from the cluster of Echeveria Rainbow. Ensure your tools are clean to avoid infection.
Let the Offset Callus:
Allow the offset cuttings to callus for 3-5 days until the wound turns white, similar to beheading propagation.
Plant the Offset Cuttings:
Gently place the Echeveria Rainbow offset cuttings on prepared soil in a partially shaded, well-ventilated area on a windowsill or outdoor plant shelf.
Check Progress After 7 Days:
Test for root growth by gently tugging the Echeveria Rainbow. Lightly water near the base and gradually increase sunlight and water.
Can I Propagate Echeveria Rainbow from Leaves?
While leaf propagation is economical, keep in mind that Echeveria Rainbow's variegated nature may result in inconsistencies. Leaf propagation might yield Echeveria 'Perle von Nürnberg' without variegation.
Feel free to experiment with leaf propagation if you chance upon Echeveria Rainbow leaves—you might just get lucky!
Final Thoughts:
Mastering the propagation methods is key, but patience is essential. Join the fun of growing Echeveria Rainbow by following our propagation guide!
Next Up: How to Care for Echeveria Rainbows
