Description
Echeveria 'Compton Carousel', also known as Echeveria 'Lenore Dean', is an attractive succulent that forms tight rosettes of blue-gray leaves with cream-colored margins and a hint of pink on older leaves, primarily in winter. The rosettes grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, producing offsets to form a clump. It has beautiful red flowers with yellow tips that appear on an up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall inflorescence that rises vertically and then arches over gracefully.
How to grow Echeveria 'Compton Carousel'
Echeveria Compton Carousel propagates mainly through offsets, leaf cuttings, and seeds. A mature plant will produce offsets from its main stem, which can be separated and propagated as a separate plant. Alternatively, it can be propagated through leaf cuttings.
How to care for Echeveria 'Compton Carousel'
Easy care: Echeverias are generally low-maintenance plants, making them suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Seasonal blooms: Occasionally, 'Compton Carousel' may produce attractive flower spikes with bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are usually in shades of pink or coral and add extra charm to the plant.
Light
Echeveria Compton Carousel 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 plant outdoors during the summer months will help it to thrive.
Echeveria Compton Carousel 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 plant on a windowsill, turn the plant occasionally to ensure that all sides of your plant get enough sun.
Watering
Echeveria Compton Carousel, 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 plant, 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 Compton Carousel 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 Compton Carousel should never be kept in damp soil.
When watering Echeveria Compton Carousel, 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, this succulent will need to be watered more frequently than it will in the winter.
Soil
Echeveria Compton Carousel requires a well-draining, porous growing medium to help keep excess moisture away from the roots. Standard soil for cactus potting is sufficient for this succulent, which can be found at most nurseries and garden centers.
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 Compton Carousel 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 Compton Carousel grows well indoors in average room conditions with around 40% – 50% humidity.
During the spring and summer months, your indoor Echeveria Compton Carousel needs temperatures of between 65 and 80°F (18 – 27°C). During the winter, a few degrees lower will be ideal. Outdoors, this succulent loves warm summers of at least 19°C or 20°C.
Fertilizing
Generally, fertilizing is not a requirement for Echeveria Compton Carousel 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 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.