I was looking forward to see this one in bloom and looks like it's gonna be the first and last time I do. On this specific plant anyway.
Echeveria Mandala
Unlike a normal plant (and I mean echeveria type) that would grow a flower stem from between the leaves on the sides, this one decided to grow one from the very center. In Orchid world we'd call that a terminal spike. The flower will not grow any further after that it will basically die.
Some succulents do that as that's how they are programmed, for example Aeoniums or Sempervivums. But not Echeverias. They are not supposed to do that!
Last year the same thing happened to Echeveria Black Prince and the whole thing of course died. I did save the little offshoots and they are ok, but the main plant is gone.
In this case I have no offshoots. I will take few of the bottom leaves though now, before it's done blooming and maybe they will produce some pups. The whole rosette will die anyway so I am not losing anything at this point.
The good news is that I do have another one of those. Younger and smaller. But it's doing ok. For now :p
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It is a bit ugly and it was recovering this year after stem rot in a clay pot. The plan was to let it grow bit and then in spring chop the top off and root it all over again.
I have had it for afer years and I was growing nicely to quite a large size already, so I am bit bumped about losing this one.
They can grow really big! The rosettes can grow to a football ball size with very thick and stiff leaves shaped like a spoon and multiple offshoots. Really stunning plant and it doesn't have to bloom for me. I just would like it to grow this big!
Flowers are quite typical for Eccheverias - little bell shaped in red colour. The tips are bright yellow though which looks quite nice.
And now will the be the flower photo spam :)
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And since I was checking some pots today, here is also the community pot update. I was planning to take a photo every month, but they don't grow that fast so I don't think there is a need.
- October 2022:
- June 2022
- February 2022 when it was potted:
The little Crassula from the bottom right corner decided to bloom
And few of the little ones. The dark spots on some of them are from excess water (I think).
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Shot with Nikon D5500 + Sigma 105mm lens
All photos, graphics and text are my own.
