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Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’ Care Guide

The Twisting Succulent Rosette You’ll Love

Twisted Rosette, Tangerine Flowers

With leaves that twist sky-ward and late-season blooms in sherbet orange, Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ turns any windowsill into a mini desert diorama.

Bred from wild E. runyonii populations in Tamaulipas, Mexico, this succulent is both photogenic and forgiving—ideal for beginners who want a plant that thrives on (benign) neglect.

Echeveria Topsy Turvy At A Glance

Native range

Tamaulipas, Mexico

Pet safety

Non-toxic to cats, dogs & people

Typical size

4–6 in tall
7–8 in wide (old clumps can reach 10–12 in)

Cold-Hardiness (USDA)

USDA 10+

Flower time

Late summer–fall

Echeveria Topsy Turvy Plant Care & Growing Requirements

Watering

Water only when the soil is bone-dry, then drench thoroughly.

Keep the rosette dry and cut winter drinks in half.

Light

Bright, direct sun 4–6 h daily; morning rays are perfect.

Acclimate slowly to prevent leaf scorch.

Soil

Use a fast-draining cactus mix or 1 : 1 : 1 potting soil / sand / perlite.

Gritty soil = zero soggy-root drama.

Temperature

Happy zone: 65–80 °F (18–27 °C); protect below 40 °F (4 °C).

Bring pots indoors before any frost hits.

Humidity

Average household humidity (≈40 %) is perfect—no misting needed.

Dry air keeps fungal issues at bay.

Fertilizer

Half-strength cactus food once a month in spring–summer.

Skip feeding during fall and winter dormancy.

Echeveria Topsy Turvy Maintenance & Propagation

Every 2–3 years, or when roots peek from the drain-hole. Handle gently—leaves snap easily.

Remove dried basal leaves and spent bloom stalks to keep pests away.

Occasional mealybugs; swipe with isopropyl alcohol or use insecticidal soap.

Arching stalks carry neon bells in late summer—enjoy, then snip to refocus energy on growth.

Check More Flowering Succulents

Why are my ‘Topsy Turvy’ leaves stretching upward and losing their curl?

Insufficient light. Move the pot to a brighter south- or west-facing window (or give it 4–6 h of direct sun outdoors). Rotate the plant weekly so every side gets equal exposure.

Can ‘Topsy Turvy’ survive frost?

Only brief chills down to about 40 °F (4 °C). Prolonged freezes damage tissue. In USDA zones 9 and colder, overwinter the plant indoors or in a frost-free greenhouse.

Is Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ toxic to cats or dogs?

No. ASPCA and vet databases list Echeveria species as non-toxic, though nibbling may cause mild stomach upset.

How do I propagate this succulent the fastest way?

Twist off a healthy offset (pup), let the cut callus for 48 h, then place it on dry cactus mix. Mist lightly every few days until roots anchor. New growth appears in 2–4 weeks.

Does fertilizing make it grow faster?

A half-strength cactus fertilizer once a month in spring–summer can encourage larger rosettes, but overfeeding causes weak, elongated growth. Skip feeding in the fall and winter dormancy period.

Will pruning hurt the plant?

No. Removing shriveled basal leaves and spent flower stalks improves air flow and directs energy to healthy growth. Use clean tweezers or fingers to gently tug old leaves away.

About Author

Hey there! I'm Denis, a lifelong plant lover and gardening enthusiast. I've been in love with gardening since the age of 10 when I successfully grew my first roses from cuttings. Since then, my passion has only grown stronger, and I now write articles about plants to share my knowledge and experiences with others.

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