Echeveria Runyonii Info: How To Grow Topsy Turvy Echeverias

Echeveria Runyonii [Ech-eh-VER-ee-a, Run-YON-ee-eye] is an evergreen species of flowering plants, belonging to the family Crassulaceae.

This plant is native to Mexico, and one of the numerous Echeveria types cultivated. It is considered one of the most popular and beautiful succulent plants which needs little maintenance.

Attractive potted succulent Echeveria RunyoniiPin

There are rarely any problems with this plant, except when overwatering or insufficient light.

However, these issues may be tackled easily.


The common names for this Echeveria plant include:

  • Mexican Hens
  • Hens and Chicks
  • Mexican Hen and Chicks
  • Topsy Turvy

Echeveria Runyonii Plants Care

Size & Growth

This succulent sprouts rosettes 3.1” – 3.9” inches wide.

The leaves of this plant are oblong-spatulate to spatulate-cuneate, acuminate to truncate, and mucronate.

They are pinkish-white colored and sit on top of single stems around 3.9” inches or more in length.

Flowering and Fragrance

The Echeveria ‘topsy turvy’ mostly grows yellow flowers, and sometimes bright orange ones.

The bloom time of this plant is during the spring season and the late summer season.

The flowers bloom on top of an arching, long inflorescence.

Light & Temperature

The Topsy Turvy plant loves full sun and needs bright light to maintain its rosette form and color.

However, it also tolerates partial shade. In southern regions, it’s best to place the plant in light shade.

The ideal temperatures for this plant are 65° – 70° degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 21° C).



This plant is not cold-hardy, and unable to survive hard frost, but is still able to take cooler temperatures.

The USDA hardiness zone of E. Runyonii is 9 to 11.

Watering and Feeding

Runyonii has low water needs but must be adequately watered during the summer and spring seasons.

It is water sensitive, which is why it is recommended to utilize the ‘soak and dry’ technique.

Make sure the soil completely dries out between watering your Echeveria plant again.

If the plant is placed outside, avoid watering during the winter season.

Overwatering may result in rotting or fungal disease.

Feed this plant during the spring season using a diluted succulent plant fertilizer.

For the younger plants, use a fertilizer with a reduced amount of nitrogen.

Soil & Transplanting

This plant requires a gritty, quick-draining soil since it grows in tiny crevices in rocky outcroppings. When planting uses a pot with drainage holes.

It is best to select sandy soil, like a succulents or cacti potting mix with a pH level higher than 7.0.

It may be repotted when needed, but make sure it is done during warmer seasons.

To repot this succulent, use completely dry soil before the plant is removed.

The soil must be removed gently from the roots, and any dead or rotted roots must also be removed.

The cuts must receive fungicide treatment before the transplanting process.

Grooming and Maintenance of Runyonii Topsy Turvy Echeveria

The Echeveria ‘topsy turvy’ plants are pretty easy to grow if basic rules are followed.

The most important thing to look after is to make sure the rosettes of this plant never sit in water for a prolonged duration as this result in fungal diseases or rotting.

It is also essential to remove all rotten and dead leaves from the bottom to enhance its growth.

Otherwise, the dead leaves will provide various pests a haven to grow in.

How to Propagate Hens And Chicks

The propagation process of Echeveria Runyonii ‘topsy turvy’ is done using the leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or offsets from the mother plant.

If the plant is overgrown and mature, the tighter rosettes should be cut off using a sharp knife.

The cuttings must be dried off by placing them in a shady spot for many days.

Afterward, place the cuttings in well-draining, moist soil.

Make sure the cuttings and propagation are done during the spring season.

These plants produce offsets profusely which surround the central rosette.

Plant the offsets in a location where it is able to get direct sunlight for at least 6 hours every day.

For indoor plants, place the new plant in a room which gets plenty of sunlight, ideally near or on the windowsill.

Echeveria Pest or Diseases

The Topsy Turvy plant is rabbit and deer resistant.

It is mostly trouble-free, but be on the lookout for attacks on succulents from aphids, mealybugs, and vine weevils.

Make sure to avoid overwatering as this leads to fungal diseases and rotting.

More on Succulent Echeveria pests and diseases problems.

Topsy Turvy Uses

These succulent plants work best in rock gardens, ground covers, green roofs, Mediterranean gardens, borders, and beds.

This plant is also known as the favorite succulent to add to a terrarium.

This Topsy Turvy plant looks excellent in small containers and dish gardens as well and looks stunning when combined with other succulent plants.

This plant is bound to attract hummingbirds, making the garden even livelier.

Keep Exploring The World Of Echeveria

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