Echeveria Cubic Frost is a beautiful hybrid succulent in the Crassulaceae family. It embraces the perfect combination of beauty and resilience. This incredibly hardy, ornamental plant has distinctive upturned, pointy, symmetrical, and fleshy leaves in beautiful blue, silver, and lilac hues. One of the most striking features of Echeveria Cubic Frost is its powdery coating, which gives this plant a frosted appearance. This coating, known as farina, helps the plant reflect sunlight and protect its leaves from sunburn.
During its growing season from spring to summer, the Echeveria Cubic Frost produces a delightful surprise - lovely orange bell-shaped flowers that emerge from the rosettes. These flowers add a burst of color and bring a vibrant note to the succulent's already stunning appearance. The rosettes themselves can grow to be up to 10 inches in diameter, providing an ample canvas for these vibrant blooms to shine. As hardy as it can be, this succulent still has its own care requirement. Check out our tips below to keep your Cubic Frost thriving and flourishing.
General Care
Light
Echeveria Cubic Frost is a very resilient plant and can tolerate full sun. Direct sunlight helps this plant to develop and enhance its blue-lilac color. However, it doesn’t mean this succulent cannot get sunburned. If placed outdoors, your Cubic Frost should have some shade during the afternoon, especially in the summer. Indoors, place it near a window that receives plenty of light, and filter the scorching afternoon sun by using a sheer curtain. In the dark winter, it is recommended that you invest in a grow lamp as low light conditions can make this plant leggy.
Water
Like most Echeveria succulents, Cubic Frost is drought-tolerant and doesn’t need frequent watering. Succulents are prone to root rot, so only water them when the soil is dry. You should always measure the moisture level before giving your plant a drink. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. If your finger comes out dry, give your succulent a good soak and then allow the excess water to drain completely.
Soil & Fertilizer
The best soil for Echeveria Cubic Frost is well-draining, porous soil that promotes good water drainage and airflow. This plant thrives in rocky, sunny outdoor gardens if you live in USDA Hardy zone 10a-11b. If you plant it in a pot, any high-quality mixture of cactus and succulent soil would do. Avoid using heavy soils that retain moisture as they can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing is usually unnecessary for succulents, but if you want to boost growth and blooming during the growing season (spring-summer), you can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent fertilizer burn.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeverias mostly prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but Cubic Frost can also tolerate high temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and low temperatures of as low as 15- 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Cubic Frost Echeveria can tolerate short periods of frosts, but deep freeze would kill this plant. Low and medium humidity (around 30-40%) is ideal for most succulents, including Cubic Frost. High humidity can be harmful to these drought-tolerant plants.
Potting and Repotting
Potting
To keep your Echeveria cubic Frost healthy, always plant them in a pot that optimizes drainage with well-drained soil. Pots from porous, breathable materials like concrete, terracotta, or ceramic also enhance drainage and promote airflow. Soil aeration with a small shovel should be included in your weekly plant care regimen. This method will help to improve the oxygen level in the soil and allow the roots to absorb water, nutrients, and oxygen more efficiently. First, carefully use the shovel to probe the plant's roots and generate small pockets of air within the soil. Next, thoroughly water the soil and allow it to drain completely afterward.
Repotting
Echeveria Cubic Frost does not need annual repotting, as Echeverias are slow growers. Every 2 or 3 years, you can repot this succulent with a pot one size bigger. Repotting should be done during the growing season (spring-summer). When you take your plant out of the old pot, be careful not to break the leaves or stems, and inspect thoroughly for any signs of root rot and diseases. After repotting, do not water for about 2 weeks to give the roots some time to adjust to the new soil.
Pruning
This unique rosette succulent typically doesn't require routine pruning. However, you may use a sharp and clean pair of scissors or knife to trim away any dead or damaged leaves or root balls. Removing offsets is also recommended to free up room for the mother plant. Both leaf cuttings and offsets can be used for propagation.
Propagation
Echeveria Cubic Frost can be propagated by offsets or leaves. Propagating with offsets is easy, just wait until the offsets are mature enough and have some stalk to make the cuttings.
Follow these steps:
- Gently twist and remove offsets and healthy leaves. You can also use a clean and sharp pair of scissors or a knife.
- Allow cuttings or offsets to develop callouses for a couple of days before dipping their bottom tips in a rooting hormone.
- Plant the cuttings or offsets in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist by frequent misting. Place the cuttings or offsets in a bright and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
- Once roots start to grow and new plants begin to form, transfer them to separate pots.
Alternatively, you can follow these above steps to propagate with water or air as the growing medium.
Blooming
In spring or early summer, Cubic Frost blooms vivid coral-orange flowers growing from tall stalks. These flowers are hummingbirds’ favorite! To encourage blooming, you can increase the light exposure and give your succulent some diluted fertilizer during the growing season (spring-summer)
Common Problems
- Overwatered or underwatered: Overwatered Cubic Frost would have yellow, mushy leaves. It can be accompanied by root and stem rot, and the blackened rosette center. A Cubic Frost with too little water may look dry and crispy, and the leaves may turn brown.
- The fungal disease, mold, and overwatered problems: Wet soil is a breeding ground for mold and fungal infection. Always prioritize drainage, as succulents cannot stand sitting in stagnant water pooling in the pot.
- Inadequate lighting issues: Echeveria Cubic Frost needs a lot of bright light, and low light conditions can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its romantic pastel color. Move your plant to a brighter spot and watch it transform into a beautiful frosted lilac and blue shade.
