Echeveria Compton Carousel Ø 14

Among the most renowned and sought-after variegated succulents, this cultivar stands out for its rarity and sculptural form. Its fleshy leaves, arranged in a compact rosette, display a striking chromatic contrast: a glaucous-blue centre and wide cream or ivory margins, which in winter, under bright light, take on delicate pinkish hues. In early summer, it produces erect inflorescences bearing bell-shaped red-orange flowers with yellow tips, which bloom during the day and last for several weeks.

Exposure

• Prefers very bright locations, with a few hours of direct sunlight (preferably morning or evening).
• Avoid the harshest rays during the central hours of summer days, which could scorch the variegated leaves.
• In winter, ensure maximum possible brightness to maintain variegation and promote the appearance of pinkish reflections.
• Ideal temperatures: between 18°C and 26°C in summer; in winter, do not drop below 5°C–8°C.

Watering

• Water moderately, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings.
• In spring and summer: about once every 7–10 days, depending on climate and exposure.
• In autumn and winter: reduce drastically (every 3–4 weeks or even less), especially if temperatures drop.
• Beware of waterlogging: the primary cause of root rot and plant collapse.
• Use water at room temperature, preferably non-calcareous.

Soil and repotting

• Requires a well-draining, porous substrate low in organic matter.
• Recommended mix: cactus and succulent potting soil enriched with pumice or perlite (about 30–40%) to ensure rapid water drainage.
• Repot in spring, every 2–3 years, using a slightly larger pot (maximum 2–3 cm larger in diameter).
• Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
• After repotting, wait at least one week before watering to allow the roots to settle and any wounds to heal.

Fertilisation

• During the growing season (spring–summer), apply a fertiliser specifically formulated for succulents.
• The fertiliser should be low in nitrogen (N) and rich in potassium (K) and phosphorus (P), to avoid promoting overly tender and delicate growth.
• Dilute to half the recommended strength and apply once a month.
• Stop fertilising completely in autumn and winter.

Flowering

• Occurs in early summer, with erect flower stalks rising from the rosette.
• Flowers are bell-shaped, red-orange with yellow tips, opening during daylight hours.
• The flowering period lasts several weeks and provides a pleasant colour contrast with the variegated foliage.
• After wilting, it is advisable to cut the flower stalk at the base to prevent the plant from wasting energy unnecessarily.

Propagation

• Primarily propagated by leaf cuttings or by division of offsets that occasionally form at the base.
• Leaf cuttings should be left to air-dry for 2–3 days until a callus forms, then placed on moist substrate and kept in bright, indirect light.
• Rooting is slow and requires patience (several weeks or months).
• Propagation by seed is possible but does not guarantee variegation stability.
• As a variegated cultivar, propagation may sometimes produce plants with reduced or absent variegation (reverts).

Pests and diseases

• The main threats are mealybugs (cottony scale) and armoured scale insects, which nest in the leaf axils.
• In case of infestation, intervene promptly with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or with specific insecticides based on white oil or pyrethrum.
• Excess moisture encourages fungal rots (Phytophthora, Fusarium). Prevention is achieved through a well-draining substrate and controlled watering.
• Regularly inspect leaves and the base of the plant to detect any infestations early.

Botanical curiosities

• ‘Compton Carousel’ is a variegated mutation of Echeveria peacockii, a species native to Mexico.
• It is particularly valued for the stability of its variegation, which persists over time as long as light conditions remain optimal.
• Its slow growth makes it an ideal choice for collectors and for sophisticated compositions in terrariums or combined with other succulents.
• The name “Compton Carousel” comes from the British nurseryman who first selected and stabilised this mutation.
• Under water or temperature stress, the leaves tend to curl slightly at the edges — a defence mechanism to reduce transpiration surface.
• The plant is toxic to pets if ingested: keep out of reach of dogs and cats.

Not grafted
Code 1670