Echeveria - Monstrose

Echeveria - Normal

Echeveria - Crested

Crests

Cristate forms, or crests, occur when the cells of the growing point of a plant begin to multiply erratically, elongating the growing tip to form "fans", rather than the usual single growing point. This can occur as a result of genetics, or from mechanical damage to the growing tip in the form of sudden cold, insect damage or other causes. When a plant is crested, it develops a form which often is far more attractive and interesting than the normal plant from which it has come.

Cristate (crested) plants require less light than the normal forms. Succulent crests should occasionally be trimmed of normal growth to perpetuate the cristate form. Cristate cacti should have "normals" removed carefully, and only during the active growing season.

Monstrose

Monstrose plants, like crests, are a freak of nature. Instead of one growing point which fans, they develop many growing points. From these growing points they unaccountably grow out in all directions in bumpy, twisted and gnarly shapes.