Echeveria 'Alfred'
Echeveria 'Alfred'
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Echeveria 'Alfred' is a drought-tolerant succulent from the Crassulaceae family, native to the mountainous regions of Mexico where it adapted to thrive in arid, minimal-water conditions. It forms rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves and stays compact, reaching just 4-6 inches across at maturity.
The leaves are blue-green with soft pink edges when exposed to bright light, covered in a powdery bloom that gives them an almost ethereal texture. The smooth, waxy foliage grows in a tight, symmetrical rosette structure that maintains its organized form throughout the year. Its compact size and neat growth habit suit small spaces.
During late spring and summer, 'Alfred' produces coral-pink to orange bell-shaped flowers on tall, arching stems that extend well above the main rosette. The blooms last several weeks and appear on sturdy stalks. Temperature fluctuations between day and night encourage flowering indoors.
You can leave it up to ten days without water. It wilts slightly when thirsty, so there's no guesswork needed with watering schedules. The plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Avoid moving it frequently, as it prefers a stable location. Rotate the rosette occasionally for even growth on all sides. Move it outside in summer with proper rain cover if desired.
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Echeveria 'Alfred' grows well in bright indirect light to direct sun but scorches in south-facing windows during peak summer heat.
Water it deeply every 10-14 days during the growing season, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
'Alfred' requires well-draining cactus and succulent potting mix with added perlite or pumice for optimal drainage.
It prefers temperatures between 65-80°F and tolerates brief drops to 40°F but cannot survive frost.
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'Alfred' is a slow to moderate grower requiring minimal fertilizer, just diluted cactus fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and cannot tolerate frost below 32°F. It grows year-round outdoors in Florida, Hawaii, southern California, southern Texas, southern Arizona, southern Nevada, coastal Oregon, Louisiana, southern Georgia, South Carolina, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi. In cooler zones, it should be grown in containers and moved indoors for winter protection.
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Q: Is Echeveria 'Alfred' safe for pets and children?
A: It is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children.
Q: How do I know when to water?
A: Echeveria 'Alfred' will wilt slightly when the soil is dry. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger an inch deep; if no moisture remains, it is ready for watering.
Q: What window direction works best for 'Alfred' indoors?
A: East or west-facing windows provide bright indirect light without afternoon scorch. It also grows under office LED lights.
Q: How large does 'Alfred' get at maturity?
A: It typically reaches 4-6 inches across and 3-4 inches tall and maintains this compact size well in containers.
Q: Can I propagate 'Alfred' at home?
A: Yes, it propagates easily from leaf cuttings or offsets that form around the base. Let cut surfaces dry for 24-48 hours before placing on well-draining soil.
Q: How cold can outdoor temperatures get before damage occurs?
A: 'Alfred' tolerates temperatures down to 40°F but cannot survive freezing conditions. In zones 8 and below, grow it in a container you can move indoors before winter.
