Echeveria diffractens: Care and Propagation Guide

Echeveria diffractens is a succulent that is known by the name Shattering Echeveria. Its scientific name is Echeveria diffractens M. Kimnach & A. Lau. This succulent belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is native to Mexico.

The flattened rosettes have numerous short and wide leaves that are generally pink, gray and violet in color. The broad leaves have a thickened cream outline as well.

This solitary plant has its rosettes grow up to a height of 2 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter.

See also:
160+ Echeveria Types with Pictures

Echeveria diffractens Care

Light

Echeveria diffractens requires a substantial amount of light in order to thrive. They should receive at least four to five hours of bright, direct light on a daily basis. Placing your Echeveria diffractens outdoors during the summer months will help it to thrive.

Echeveria diffractens that does not receive enough light will become elongated and leggy, often ‘reaching’ towards the closest source of light. It is also unlikely that they will flower. If you have your Echeveria diffractens on a windowsill, turn the plant occasionally to ensure that all sides of your plant get enough sun.

On the other hand, too many hours of intense, direct sunlight can result in sunburn.

Water

Echeveria diffractens, like most succulents, does not require much water as they store water in their fleshy leaves. Wait until the soil has dried out completely before watering your Echeveria diffractens, and then give it a good watering, making sure the excess water drains out from the pot.

If you water too much or too little, your Echeveria diffractens will start to wilt, wrinkle, or drop leaves. However, it is better to err on the side of under-watering, as they can quickly succumb to root rot if overwatered. With that in mind, Echeveria diffractens should never be kept in damp soil.

When watering Echeveria diffractens, always water the soil directly and avoid allowing water to sit on the rosette of the succulent as this can lead to rot and fungal disease.

During the spring and summer, Echeveria diffractens will need to be watered more frequently than they will in the winter.

Read our article: “How often to water succulents” to find out the right watering schedule for you.

Soil

Echeveria diffractens requires a well-draining, porous growing medium to help keep excess moisture away from the roots. Standard soil for succulent potting is sufficient for Echeveria diffractens, which can be found at most nurseries and garden centers. Or, you can make your own succulent soil.

If growing in containers, make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to drain from the soil. Soil that is constantly damp or doesn’t drain well will result in root rot.

Climate

Echeveria diffractens thrives in hot, dry conditions. For the most part, they do not tolerate cold temperatures or cold drafts well and too much humidity can lead to root rot. Echeveria diffractens grows well indoors in average room conditions with around 40% – 50% humidity.

During the spring and summer months, your indoor Echeveria diffractens needs temperatures of between 65 and 80°F (18 – 27°C). During the winter, a few degrees lower will be ideal. Outdoors, Echeveria diffractens loves warm summers of at least 19°C or 20°C.

Fertilizer

Generally, fertilizing is not a requirement for Echeveria diffractens as they are accustomed to growing in nutrient-poor soil, which makes them susceptible to fertilizer burn if over-fertilized.

However, if you want to encourage healthy Echeveria diffractens growth, you can use a cactus or succulent fertilizer or low-nitrogen mix that has been diluted 3 or 4 times more than the recommended dose.

Only feed a small amount every 2 or 3 weeks during the spring and summer months which is their active growing period.

Potting & Repotting

When choosing a pot or container to grow Echeveria diffractens in, it is important to choose the right size. As a rule of thumb for all succulents, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball. This helps to ensure the soil doesn’t stay too damp.

Echeveria diffractens does not require frequent repotting and should only be repotted once they have outgrown their previous container. To repot Echeveria diffractens, ensure that the soil is completely dry before removing it from its potting container. Repotting in the spring is usually recommended as the plant will be entering into its active growing period.

Propagating Echeveria diffractens

Echeveria diffractens propagates mainly through offsets, leaf cuttings and seeds. A mature Echeveria diffractens will produce offsets from its main stem, which can be separated and propagated as a separate plant. Alternatively, Echeveria diffractens can be propagated through leaf cuttings.

If the Echeveria diffractens has already formed several rosettes, it is particularly easy to propagate. All you have to do is cut off the rosettes. The offshoots should be at least two centimeters in diameter.

The best time to cut off the rosettes is May. Pluck apart the individual rosettes, then plant them separately.