Echeveria runyonii variegata ‘Akaihosi’

Echeveria runyonii variegata 'Akaihosi' is a distinctive variegated form of Echeveria runyonii, combining powdery blue-grey foliage with broad areas of cream, ivory and soft pink. Also circulated under the name 'Macedonia', it is particularly interesting because its appearance changes noticeably as new leaves develop and seasonal conditions alter the intensity of the variegation.

Blue, cream and softly blushed foliage

The rosettes consist of elongated, slightly pointed leaves covered with a fine powdery bloom, or farina, which gives the foliage its characteristic soft blue-grey appearance. Variegated areas lack some or all of the normal green pigmentation and can range from creamy ivory and pale yellow through to an almost porcelain-white tone.

Under suitable conditions these lighter areas can develop a beautiful blush of soft pink, peach or warm rose, particularly around the outer leaves. The combination can be remarkably subtle rather than strongly contrasting, with blue-grey centres gradually transitioning into cream and pink around the rosette. Because the amount and placement of variegation differs between leaves, individual plants naturally vary.

Seasonal colour and changing rosettes

Akaihosi does not remain exactly the same colour throughout the year. Light intensity, temperature, plant maturity and general growing conditions can all influence its appearance. Cooler or brighter conditions can bring stronger pink tones into the pale variegated areas, while periods of active growth may produce a softer blue, green and cream palette.

This changing colour is one of the most interesting characteristics of the plant. A single specimen can look noticeably different at various times of the year without losing the underlying blue-and-cream variegation that distinguishes the cultivar.

Origins and naming

Echeveria runyonii is an accepted species native to Tamaulipas in north-eastern Mexico, where the species occurs naturally in dry habitats. Akaihosi is a cultivated variegated form rather than a naturally occurring Japanese species.

The variegated plant is well established in horticultural cultivation under the name Echeveria runyonii 'Akaihosi' and is also known as 'Macedonia'. Its precise cultivar history is not particularly well documented, and horticultural references do not always agree on the naming of the various variegated forms of Echeveria runyonii. For this reason, we retain the widely recognised Akaihosi name without attributing a breeder or precise origin that cannot be reliably confirmed.

Growth habit and flowers

Akaihosi forms an attractive, relatively open rosette rather than the extremely compact heads produced by some Echeveria. As the plant matures, the individual leaves broaden and the contrast between the blue-grey and variegated sections becomes increasingly apparent.

Flower stems may emerge from established rosettes during the active growing period. As with other forms of Echeveria runyonii, flowering does not end the life of the rosette; the plant continues growing after flowering.

Growing Echeveria runyonii variegata 'Akaihosi'

Grow Akaihosi in a free-draining succulent mix with plenty of bright light to maintain compact growth and encourage its characteristic colour. Because the cream and pale areas contain less chlorophyll than fully green foliage, growth can be slower than in the ordinary green form of Echeveria runyonii. In our nursery we find it a slower-growing plant, which is one reason well-established, strongly variegated specimens take considerable time to produce.

Bright conditions can encourage stronger colour, but plants should be gradually acclimatised before exposure to intense Australian summer sun. The pale variegated areas have less protective pigmentation and can be more susceptible to scorching than fully green foliage. Water thoroughly when required, allowing the growing medium to dry appropriately between waterings, and avoid keeping the roots continually wet.

Echeveria runyonii variegata ‘Akaihosi’ plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar  plants as those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.