The blue elf succulent is a rising star in the gardening world. They are sought after for their long-lasting blooms and ease of care. Typically a short plant with a rosette shape, varieties can have fluorescent shades of green tinged with red or orange at their tips. In late winter to early spring, you will see them bloom, though with proper care they can bloom in the off seasons as well.
Blue elf succulents have yellow/orange star-shaped flowers that are very distinctive and long-lived. If planted correctly this plant can also serve as a low-maintenance ground cover! It doesn’t take an experienced gardener to make this beauty bloom multiple times a year.
What is Blue Elf Succulent?
Before growing a blue elf succulent, it’s important to know the basics of this plant.
- Scientific name: Sedeveria
- Other names: Blue Echeveria, Silver Spoons, Happy plant
- Native to: North Africa
- Invasiveness: Non-invasive
- Tenderness: Semi Tender
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 9b to 11b
- Sun: Prefers full sun, partial shade
- Water: Low to moderate water, water when dry
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5
- Hardiness zone: 9b-11
- When to plant: Spring or summer after the danger of frost has passed
- Spacing: Plant 12 inches apart in well-draining potting mix or garden bed
- Plant height: Up to 2 feet
- Bloom period: Late winter to early spring
- Time to maturity: 1 year
- Container friendly: Yes
- Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season
- Toxicity: Nontoxic
- Drought tolerant: Yes
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Pest resistant: No
How to Grow Blue Elf Succulent
Blue elf succulents are as easy to grow as they are beautiful and hardy. You can plant this succulent in the ground and turn it into a wonderful ground cover but it seems perfectly suited to life indoors and in containers. It can’t tolerate temperatures under 40 degrees so if you are in a cold climate, a container would help you protect your plant. If you are planting outdoors make sure to give them the space they need, about a foot apart.
Its soil needs are simple to meet. You can get a succulent potting mix or mix sand with a potting mix. What is important is that it be fast draining. Succulents are prone to root rot and the blue elf varieties are no different. Only water every couple of weeks, I prefer the soak method. this is when you submerge the entire plant in water for a few moments and leave it in the sink till it stops dripping.
There isn’t much need for fertilizer with this succulent. Slow releases are best as the blue elf can be easily shocked. It will only tolerate fertilizing every 2-3 weeks in the summer.
Growing Blue Elf Succulent in Containers
Blue elf succulents do very well in containers. Having them contained is an easy way to stop them from spreading out, which they will want to do. Depending on your weather conditions, you may want the option of bringing it inside. It cannot handle temperatures below 25 degrees. If you’re starting a blue elf succulent from seed or cutting you can start with a 2-inch deep container. Repot your plant in late spring to give it time to recover before the growing season. Go up 1 to 2 inches every time you repot, which shouldn’t be often maybe every 2 to 3 years.
Blue Elf Succulent Propagation
Blue elf succulents can be propagated through either cuttings or seeds. Here we’ll go over the cuttings method. This is my preferred method as it’s easy to retain the colors of the parent plant and it is much faster. You can either use cut a leaf off or if your plant is healthy and mature enough, pups or mini rosettes will start to grow off the stem. To get started, prepare the soil for the transplants, they have the same requirements as the adults. Using a sharp, sterile pair of scissors or a blade cut off a leaf segment to the stem. If you are removing a pup, you may have to gently dig to see where it connects, and separate it as close to the parent stem as you can.
Let you’re cutting callous for 3 to 7 days. this will lower the chances of infection. To do this place them in a cool, dry, warm area. you’ll be able to see them heal. After the callouses have healed place the cuttings into their containers filled with soil. Gently press them down until they won’t fall. Water thoroughly and place them in areas similar to their parents.
When to Start Blue Elf Succulent Seeds
Blue elf succulents can be grown from cuttings and seeds. I strongly recommend growing from cuttings if possible. It is faster and more reliant. Blue elf succulents are hybrids so self-collected seeds are not always reliable. Sow your seeds by mid-spring. Fill a 2-inch pot with sandy potting mix or succulent mix and gently push a seed or two into the soil. Water thoroughly and place in a bright area with some direct sunlight. The heat will help the seeds germinate. Cover your container with plastic wrap or a clear lid to trap moisture. After a few weeks, your plant will start to sprout, at this point, you don’t have to keep it covered.
When to Plant Blue Elf Succulent
The growing season for blue elf succulents from spring to summer. Plant your succulent in early spring for the best results. If you are planting outdoors be sure that the last freeze has passed. You want to move your plant a little before the growing season so it has time to establish and adjust, maximizing its growing season.
How to Collect Blue Elf Succulent Seeds
Blue elf succulents produce small, yellow flowers which eventually produce seeds. This typically happens in winter but the beauty of this plant is can bloom multiple times a year if well cared for. You should wait until the flower petals fall off and the seed pods turn brown before harvesting the seeds. place the seed pods in a container to dry out for several days. 4. When dry, you can crack open each pod to reveal the small, black seeds inside! Store these in an airtight container away from heat or moisture. be sure to label the harvest date and the variety!
Common Problems with Blue Elf Succulent
Pests and root rot are the biggest threats to blue elf succulents. Aphids, grasshoppers, mealy bugs, mites, and caterpillars to name a few. Neem oil or mothballs or peppermint are great options to keep pests away from your happy little plant. be sure to keep a close eye on it, especially if you transfer your plants from outdoors.
Root rot is a serious issue for many succulents, they can’t stand to be over-watered. If you suspect your plant is suffering from this the best course of action is to let I dry completely out. Examine how often you are watering and whether there is water often left in its draining tray.