Echeveria or Sempervivum ...

Thank you Hy, for putting us straight. I have Sempervivums, which I like, nice & easy!

Thank you Hywel. Your photos speak volumes and I think I might remember this lesson but just in case I forget I am saving it in favourites.

Thank you both. I am glad you found the photos helpful.

Such pretty flowers they give off thank you Hywel for letting us know they can survive a mild winter bet they are taking all that sunshine in.

Thanks for that information Hywel. I think I get it now. I didn't know they were tender. Mine stayed out through all that snow and cold weather we had, in fact they've stayed out all the years I've had them. The main thing was not letting them get to wet. Maybe I should think about bringing them under cover this winter.

I have sempervivums that thrive outdoors through our cold winters... amazing plants. Don't see many blooms though. My neighbour has a rock wall which she has planted them on and they bloom for her...the wall is south facing.

Thank you Hywel as I have really started to enjoy my new
Plants. You have really given some excellent advice because I was pretty clueless before.
Marjorie

So clearly explained Hywel plus the photos which will make the differences stay in my head.
Thank you.

Thanks, I'm pleased so many found my blog useful.
I am not very good at explaining things but sometimes all you need are photos :)

Many thanks Hywel, I do have both and now I know which is which, was always unsure before, you are correct the photo's made it so much easier...

Thank you :)

Good idea, Hywel, to explain things with pictures if you are not very good with words! it's the Chinese I think that said "a picture is worth a 1,000 words"! Well, if that is the case, you've saved yourself a few thousand words! Well done! 👍

Well, I didn't know that! Thanks, Hywel :)

Thank you both :)

Nice collection I've never seen so many different types. Thanks

Thank you Bathgate, there are lots of different Echeverias and I have more than this, but these are just to show the difference between them and Sempervivums :)

Could you advise on the best compost to use for these
plants please Hywel ?

They like a free draining compost. I use multipurpose compost with some horticultural grit added to it.

Thanks Hywel I get a bit nervous about plant food.
Seems a weak solution is ok. But that would be in the
multipurpose compost. Also sand.

They don't need much feeding, they are from arid places with poor soils.
If you use sand make sure it's sharp sand. This will ensure good drainage.
With some types of sand the grains are rounded and it doesn't drain well.

Very helpful thank you Hywel!

You're welcome but I think you already knew the difference :)

I am not the succulent expert by any means, my OH is the collector, we just muddle along and hope for the best!!

Same as me then :)

Helping each other is the important thing. I didnt know that about sand, always get Horticultural Washed Sand.
It fits in the bag on the front of my walking aid !

Horticultural sand is what you need really Diane. Builders' sand is fine and the grains are rounded, so it's no good for drainage.