Echeveria Worfield Wonder Echeveria × derosa 'Worfield Wonder'
ABOUT
Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' is a succulent plant known for its attractive rosette shape, which gives it a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The rosettes are made up of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that are densely packed together. These leaves typically exhibit a pale green to blue-green coloration, often with pink to red edges that add a touch of color, especially when the plant is grown in bright sunlight. The surface of the leaves can appear powdery or have a soft, chalky texture due to a natural waxy coating that helps the plant retain moisture. Over time, the rosettes may produce offsets, or "pups," at their base, which can be used to propagate new plants. When it blooms, Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' produces bell-shaped flowers on tall stalks that rise above the rosette, drawing attention to its striking form. The flowers are usually vibrant and can be an array of colors such as pink, orange, or yellow, depending on the specific variety. The overall appearance of the Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' is one of compact elegance, often prized by enthusiasts for its sculptural quality and ease of care.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Mexican Hen and Chicks, Worfield Wonder
Common names
Echeveria × derosa 'Worfield Wonder'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Echeveria, which ‘Worfield Wonder’ is a cultivar of, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant is not expected to cause poisoning or adverse health effects.
To pets
Echeveria is also non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of this plant, it is not expected to experience symptoms of poisoning or serious health consequences as a result of the ingestion.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ease of Care: Echeveria × derosa is known for being low-maintenance and easy to care for, making it suitable for beginner gardeners or those with busy lifestyles.
- Drought Resistance: Being a succulent, it can survive with minimal water since it stores moisture in its leaves, which is beneficial in areas prone to drought or for water-wise gardening.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its unique rosette shape and colorful leaves, it serves as a decorative element in gardens, homes, and office spaces.
- Propagation Ease: This plant can readily produce offsets or be propagated from cuttings, which allows gardeners to easily increase their collection or share with others.
- Versatility: Suitable for container gardening, rock gardens, and as a ground cover, it offers versatility in landscaping and interior decoration.
- Seasonal Interest: Some Echeveria varieties change leaf colors during different seasons or bloom with attractive flowers, providing seasonal visual interest.
- Pest Resistance: It generally has a good resistance to pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Photography Prop: Echeveria plants, with their rosette shape and vibrant colors, can serve as a stunning subject or a complementing background in macro photography.
- Wedding Decorations: Small Echeveria succulents can be used in wedding bouquets or tabletop decorations for a natural, rustic touch.
- Jewelry Holders: The rosette shape of the Echeveria is ideal for holding rings or earrings on a vanity or bedside table.
- Art Inspiration: Their unique form and symmetry can provide inspiration for artists and can be featured in paintings or sculptures.
- Fairy Gardens: Miniature Echeveria plants are frequently incorporated into fairy gardens to create enchanting miniature landscapes.
- Gifts and Favors: Echeveria can be potted in small containers to serve as eco-friendly party favors for guests at events or special occasions.
- Education: These plants can be used to teach kids or students about plant care, propagation, and the water storage abilities of succulents.
- Culinary Presentations: Though not edible, the Echeveria can be used as a non-toxic decoration to accentuate plating arrangements in culinary settings.
- Craft Projects: The leaves of the Echeveria can be used in crafting, such as in creating living wreaths or as components in mosaic art.
- Theme Gardens: Echeverias can be used to create specific landscaping themes, such as a desert or Mediterranean-style garden.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Echeveria is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Echeveria is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Perseverance - Echeverias are succulents known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions, representing the strength to endure and persist through challenges.
- Uniqueness - Each 'Worfield Wonder' has a unique rosette pattern with its own color variations, symbolizing individuality and the beauty in being unique.
- Timelessness - Succulents like the Echeveria are often slow-growing and long-lived, signifying enduring qualities and a timeless nature.
- Adaptability - Given their ease of care and ability to adapt to various environments, Echeverias are associated with flexibility and the ability to thrive in different circumstances.
- Resilience - The Echeveria’s capacity to store water in its leaves, allowing it to withstand drought, is seen as a symbol of resilience and self-sufficiency.
- Water
The Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' should be watered thoroughly when the soil becomes completely dry, usually once every two to three weeks depending on the climate and indoor conditions. Pour water directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves, until it begins to run out of the pot's drainage holes. This indicates that the soil is saturated. To prevent root rot, ensure excess water is drained away. In cooler seasons or less sunny months, you may need to water less frequently, waiting until the soil has been dry for a few days. A general rule of thumb is to provide around 8 ounces of water for a pot with a 6-inch diameter, and adjusting up or down for larger or smaller pots, respectively.
- Light
Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' thrives best in bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate direct sunlight, but in hot climates, it's best to provide afternoon shade to prevent sunburn. A south or west-facing window with a sheer curtain is ideal to filter intense direct sunlight. If grown outdoors, an area with morning sun and afternoon shade is optimal.
- Temperature
Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' prefers a temperature range of 65°F to 80°F during the day, while nighttime temperatures should not dip below 50°F. It can withstand brief periods of colder temperatures down to 40°F, but prolonged exposure to cold can be detrimental. Ideal growth occurs within the preferred temperature range, avoiding extremes.
- Pruning
Prune Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain its appearance. Pruning is typically not required frequently, but it is best done during the growth season in the spring or early summer. Deadheading the spent flower stalks after blooming will encourage better growth and shape.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Echeveria, commonly known as 'Worfield Wonder', thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of cactus potting soil and perlite in a ratio of about 2:1. To enhance drainage and aeration, adding coarse sand or fine gravel can be beneficial. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
- Repotting
Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its pot. Carefully repot in the spring or early summer, which is the beginning of its active growing season.
- Humidity & Misting
Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' prefers dry air and low humidity levels, typical of arid regions it's adapted to. It does well in the average household humidity levels but should be kept away from overly humid environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil for indoor Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder'.
Outdoor
Place Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' in sunny spot with good air circulation.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder', commonly known as Worfield Wonder, starts its life as a seed, requiring well-draining soil and careful watering to sprout. Once germinated, seedlings gradually develop fleshy leaves in a rosette pattern, which is characteristic of mature plants. As the succulent grows, it enters a vegetative state where it focuses on enlarging its rosette and may produce offsets or “pups” around the base, which can be separated to propagate new plants. The Worfield Wonder enters a reproductive phase where it sends up a flower stalk, typically in the warmer months, which bears bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant redirects energy back into leaf and root growth, maintaining a relatively stable mature phase before eventually senescing after several years. The plant’s life can be extended through proper care and by removing spent flowers to encourage additional blooming cycles.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating an Echeveria 'Worfield Wonder' is by leaf cuttings. To do this, select healthy, full leaves from the plant and gently twist them from the stem, ensuring that the base of the leaf is intact. Let the leaves dry for a few days until the cut end calluses over to prevent rotting. Afterwards, place the leaves on top of a well-draining soil mix and mist lightly. Roots and tiny rosettes will begin to form at the base of the leaves within a few weeks. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged throughout this process to encourage growth and prevent the leaves from drying out.