Surprise

I was watering just about all of my plants today and was surprised by the color of one of the Echeverias. I wondered, "Which one are you?"

The tag said "Echeveria Trader Joe's," which isn't its variety but where I bought it. It bothers me when plants are offered for sale and no ID is provided, but it is a good-looking plant. It's a tight rosette and has become more purple as it gets the benefit of both a south-facing window and grow lights.

There are perhaps 200 species of Echeverias and thousands of hybrids and cultivars. The closest variety I can find in one of my books is Mosan. Close, but I don't think it is a match. All I know is that Joe has changed quite a bit since he came home on Feb. 20:

I don't think it is hyperbole to call this a dramatic change, and this is why I take pictures of my plants.

Of the plants from the Mountain Crest order I potted yesterday, the Kalanchoe Desert Surprise is the one most ready for a portrait. The others may take a few days to rest up. This is my first Kalanchoe and is quite different from what you see at the grocery store, which is why I endure online ordering.