Troubleshooting
Echeveria problems — and how to fix them
Echeveria (Echeveria) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Stretched flat rosette
Insufficient light; move to a brighter spot or under a grow light.
Mushy black centre
Water trapped in the rosette caused crown rot; usually fatal.
Wrinkled leaves
Under-watering or root damage; soak deeply once.
Loss of pastel colour
Not enough light — pinks, purples, and blues need sun to develop.
Prevent echeveria problems before they start
Most echeveria issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Echeveria varieties: common problems
- Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg'
- Mexican Snowball
- Echeveria 'Lola'
- Echeveria lilacina
- Echeveria 'Purple Pearl'
- Echeveria 'Afterglow'
- Echeveria subsessilis
- Echeveria pulidonis
- Echeveria setosa
- Echeveria harmsii
- Echeveria agavoides
- Echeveria 'Neon Breakers'
…and 20 more varieties.
Looking for echeveria in general rather than its problems? Read the full echeveria care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Echeveria problems — FAQ
Why is my echeveria stretched flat rosette?
Insufficient light; move to a brighter spot or under a grow light.
Why is my echeveria mushy black centre?
Water trapped in the rosette caused crown rot; usually fatal.
Why is my echeveria wrinkled leaves?
Under-watering or root damage; soak deeply once.
Why is my echeveria loss of pastel colour?
Not enough light — pinks, purples, and blues need sun to develop.