Topsy Turvy Echeveria

Echeveria runyonii is native to the semi-arid regions of northeastern Mexico, particularly the state of Tamaulipas.

• The species was first collected in 1922 by American plant collector Joseph Nelson Rose and named in honor of Robert Runyon, a Texas botanist and photographer
• The 'Topsy Turvy' cultivar is a selected form cultivated for its exaggerated leaf recurvature

The genus Echeveria:
• Contains approximately 150 to 190 species, the vast majority endemic to Mexico and Central America
• Named after Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy, an 18th-century Mexican botanical illustrator who contributed to the Flora Mexicana project
• Members of the family Crassulaceae, which are characterized by their water-storing succulent tissues and Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis

The Topsy Turvy Echeveria forms compact, stemless or short-stemmed rosettes of thick, fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that dramatically curve backward (recurvature), exposing the concave upper surface.

Rosettes:
• Typically 10–15 cm in diameter
• Composed of approximately 20–30 tightly arranged leaves

Leaves:
• Thick, fleshy, and coated with a fine powdery epicuticular wax (farina) giving a pale silvery-blue to gray-green appearance
• Shape: spatulate to obovate, 4–7 cm long, 2–4 cm wide
• Tips are pointed to slightly rounded
• The pronounced backward curl of the leaves is the defining characteristic of the 'Topsy Turvy' cultivar

Flowers:
• Bloom primarily in spring to early summer
• Inflorescence: a cincinnus (scorpioid cyme) arising on an arching peduncle 15–30 cm tall
• Individual flowers are tubular to bell-shaped, typically coral pink to orange-red with yellow interiors
• Flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and insects in their native habitat

Echeveria runyonii is adapted to semi-arid, rocky environments in its native range.

Habitat:
• Grows on rocky slopes, cliff faces, and in shallow, well-drained soils
• Found at moderate elevations in Tamaulipas, Mexico
• Subject to seasonal drought with most rainfall occurring in summer

Adaptations:
• CAM photosynthesis allows stomata to open at night, minimizing water loss during hot daytime hours
• Thick, waxy cuticle and farina coating reduce transpiration and reflect excess sunlight
• Shallow but extensive root system rapidly absorbs moisture from brief rainfall events
• Rosette form channels water toward the base of the plant

Echeveria species are generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
• Listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA for cats, dogs, and horses
• However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
• The sap is not considered a significant skin irritant

The Topsy Turvy Echeveria is relatively easy to cultivate and is well-suited for beginners in succulent care. Its dramatic form makes it an excellent focal point in arrangements and containers.

Light:
• Requires bright, direct light to maintain compact rosette form and vibrant coloration
• At least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily; tolerates full sun in milder climates
• Insufficient light causes etiolation (stretching) and loss of the tight rosette form

Soil:
• Must be extremely well-draining; standard potting soil is unsuitable
• Recommended mix: equal parts coarse sand or perlite, pumice, and cactus/succulent potting mix
• Terracotta pots are ideal as they allow moisture to evaporate through the walls

Watering:
• Follow the 'soak and dry' method: water thoroughly, then allow soil to dry completely before watering again
• Reduce watering significantly in winter dormancy
• Avoid getting water trapped in the rosette center, which can cause rot
• Typically requires watering every 7–14 days in growing season, less frequently in winter

Temperature:
• Optimal range: 18–27°C during the growing season
• Can tolerate brief periods down to approximately -1°C if kept dry
• Not frost-hardy; must be protected from freezing temperatures in temperate climates

Humidity:
• Prefers low to moderate humidity
• High humidity combined with poor air circulation increases risk of fungal issues