Echeveria Onslow  (Echeveria cv. 'Onslow', syn. Echeveria 'Michella')

Description

Echeveria Onslow is a small, compact succulent producing tight symmetrical rosettes of fat fleshy leaves which are greenish silvery-yellow, lightly dusted with the waxy coating characteristic of many echeverias. An F1 hybrid of Echeveria 'Lola' and Echeveria elegans, it generally grows a more open rosette form than some of its tightly clustered relations and under ideal conditions it will colour to a pretty gold-peach to pink tone. This color change means each rosette looks a bit unique from season to season.

Echeveria Onslow enjoys lots of bright indirect sunlight, it can tolerate a small amount of direct sun in the morning or evening - such as by a south or west facing window. Intense, reliable light is what encourages this succulent to gain its attractive pink hue along the leaves, less light means a simpler, plainer green rosette, and it will stretch and become spindly. This plant works perfectly as a windowsill plant, on a desk, or out on a balcony, and slowly offset will result in a lovely miniature grouping of rosettes. Suitable for a shallow bowl, or in a mixed succulent composition.

As a tough succulent, Onslow is quite simple to manage but it will not tolerate overwatering. Allow the soil to become completely dry prior to watering. This makes it ideal for beginners who are disciplined not to give excessive amounts of water, and for the more seasoned grower that likes its slow and steady growth habits and its great colour variation. This plant should be a nice, small feature for a long time with basic care.

Key Features

• Compact, slightly open rosette of silvery to yellowish-green leaves
• Leaves develop a golden-peach to pink blush in bright light or cooler weather
• Drought-tolerant succulent that needs only occasional, deep watering
• Slow-growing and stays compact, suited to windowsills and desks
• Considered non-toxic to humans and pets
• Slowly produces offsets, forming an attractive cluster of rosettes over time
• Colour-changing foliage adds visual interest through the seasons
• Makes a charming, low-maintenance gift for succulent enthusiasts

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live Echeveria Onslow plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Each plant is a living thing, so natural variation in rosette shape, blush intensity, and colour balance is normal
• Blush colouring depends on light and temperature; plants kept in warm shade will stay mostly green
• Some minor leaf bruising or drop during transit is normal for succulents and the plant usually recovers within a couple of weeks
• Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun right after unboxing; let the plant acclimatise gradually to its new spot
• This plant is quite sensitive to overwatering, so always let the soil dry out fully between waterings
• Growth slows down noticeably in winter, which is normal dormant behaviour for this plant

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my Echeveria Onslow not getting any gold/pink? 

A: Warm pink-red colouring is largely down to exposure to high light, and a little to the plant becoming stressed. If light levels are low it can look entirely silver-green – moving it into a brighter position (a little morning/late afternoon sun is often enough) is usually enough to see golden-peach hues appearing within a few weeks.

Q: How often should I water this plant? 

A: Water thoroughly, and let the soil dry out before watering again. This particular echeveria, the 'Onslow', is rather susceptible to being over-watered so it is advisable to go underwater. This might be every 10-14 days in growing seasons, but can be less in winter time depending on climate.

Q: Can I grow the Echeveria Onslow as a houseplant? 

A: Yes, you can grow it indoors! But keep it under very high light levels, such as under an east- or west-facing window near a south-facing window, a few feet from the glass and supplemented by an indoor grow light.

Q: Is this plant fast growing? 

A: The Echeveria Onslow is very slow growing and doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer to remain happy. Over time its base will produce a small cluster of offsets over a period of time.

Q: When should it be repotted? 

A: Every two to three years is typically adequate, or when you notice offsets filling the pot. In the spring or summer, place it in a pot that drains very well because this cultivar dislikes being kept too wet.

Q: Will Echeveria Onslow affect pets and animals?

A: No, the Echeveria Onslow plant has not been found to be poisonous to human beings and/or pets. However, if any plant is consumed accidentally by you, your child or your family pet, you should certainly still seek professional help.