Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/15/2006

Question
Dear Greg

Most of the info. on the web about Eceheveria care are relevant only to temperate or sub-tropical climates. Can you advise on how best to care for Echeverias in full tropical climates? I live in Singapore, where the weather is hot (29-33 degree celsius) and highly humid all year round, except for Nov-Jan when it's slightly cooler.

Currently, my eceheverias get about 3hours of morning sun exposure daily. The rest of the day, they are placed on a windowsill in my kitchen where there is bright light, but no direct sunlight. I water them once every 2 weeks. I do not fertilise them.

With regards to colour, I observed that the leaves of one of my echeverias took on a lovely light pink at the edges after sun exposure. But I read somewhere that direct sun exposure may bleach the colour. I'm rather confused over whether to expose my echeverias to direct sun.

Really appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks a lot!

Liz  

Answer
Dear Liz,

I am sorry, but my knowledge of Echeveria's is very limited. However, the webpage below has some good care information.

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Crassulaceae/Echeveria.html

Sunlight can cause bleaching if the plant is not used to direct sunlight and is in it for too long. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg