Before you consider your zone, you must first understand what we, Echeveria, fundamentally require to thrive. We are sun-worshippers, originating from semi-desert habitats. We crave bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day to maintain our compact, vibrant rosette form. Without it, we become etiolated—stretching out weakly and pale. Our roots are highly susceptible to rot, so we demand exceptionally well-draining soil, typically a gritty cactus or succulent mix. Most critically, our watering needs are minimal. The "soak and dry" method is ideal: water us thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry, and never allow us to sit in water.
For us in USDA zones 9-11, outdoor life is closest to our natural habitat. We can often remain in the ground year-round. The intense sun is perfect for promoting our best coloration. However, the summer sun can sometimes be too intense, occasionally causing sunburn on our most tender leaves. A location with afternoon shade can be beneficial. The primary challenge here is not cold, but excessive summer rain and humidity. You must ensure our planting site is on a slope or in a raised bed to facilitate rapid drainage. Water us sparingly, if at all, during the rainy season, as natural rainfall may be sufficient.
Zones 7 and 8 present a more dynamic environment. We enjoy the long, warm growing seasons, but the winters bring a distinct chill. We can live outdoors happily from spring through fall. The key is monitoring temperatures closely. We can tolerate a very light frost, but a hard freeze will damage our water-filled leaves, causing unsightly scarring or death. As consistent temperatures approach freezing, you must provide us with protection. A cold frame or a temporary covering on frosty nights can make all the difference. Alternatively, many of us are best grown in containers here, allowing you to move us to a sheltered location like a garage or porch during the coldest spells.
Outdoor life in zones 4-6 is a seasonal affair for us. We relish the warm summer months outdoors, where the sun helps us grow strong. However, we are not equipped to survive your harsh winters in the ground. In these zones, we must be treated as container plants. For the summer, place our pots outside in a full-sun location. You must be vigilant about watering, as pots dry out faster than the ground. As autumn approaches and night temperatures consistently drop into the 40s°F (4-5°C), it is time to bring us inside. Find us the sunniest window possible—a south-facing exposure is ideal—and drastically reduce watering to mimic our natural winter dormancy. This period of rest is crucial for our health.
