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Echeveria and other  look amazing in patio planters. Echeveria are originally from Mexico and Central America. They arent used to the cold and will die in freezing temperatures. Just because you live where winter is a real winter doesnt mean that you cant enjoy these colorful plants.

You can keep them healthy during the cold months by moving them indoors. Then, once the threat of frost has past, gradually move them back outside in the spring. Other people who want to enjoy these colorful plants, but dont want houseplants, treat Echeveria like annuals and just plant anew each spring.

Light

Like theyre used to in their native growing grounds, Echeveria like full sun. However, try to avoid these two things: drastic sunlight changes and summer afternoon full sun.

Dramatic changes in lighting can stress plants out. If you are moving your plants outside in the spring, do it gradually. A couple hours in morning sun, then a few more, until they are in full sun.

Intense afternoon sun can, in some regions be too strong and the leaves will sunburn. Burned leaves will not heal and since Echeveria keep their leaves for a long time, it will look burned for a long time. If the damage is severe you will be best off to cut the head off the plant and let it re-grow from the stalk.

During the winter, when your plants are inside, put them near the brightest window in your house. Your plants will stretch if they dont have enough sunlight. Ideally you would put your plants near a south-facing window. If that isnt an option, though, put them near a window that gets the most light.

Water

Echeveria, indoors or outside, dont like to be kept too wet, but they also dont like to be kept too dry. We typically find that succulents like more water than most people think. In a house the dry home temperatures dry things our even faster. You dont want your soil to be bone dry or it will wither the plants roots.

When you water Echeveria, water the soil and not the rosette. Pour on the water until it drains out the bottom. Repeat this a couple times. Then dont water again until the soil has dried out. You dont want your plant to remain soaking wet all the time. To help prevent this, dont let the pot sit in a saucer full of water. The time between watering depends on the temperatures and conditions of the plant.

The most common problems seen on Echeveria are due to poor watering habits. Over and under watering can both produce similar symptoms. Wilting, shriveling, dropping leaves. You know your own watering habits best. Keep an eye on your plants and make adjustments if needed.