Echeveria pulidonis, also known as Pulido’s Echeveria, is a popular succulent. Native to Mexico, it forms compact rosettes of fleshy, blue-green leaves with vibrant red tips and edges, especially when exposed to ample sunlight. This slow-growing evergreen succulent reaches up to 8 inches tall and wide, making it suitable for indoor settings or outdoor rock gardens in appropriate climates.
Essential Care Guidelines
Light
Echeveria pulidonis thrives in bright light to maintain its vibrant coloration and compact rosette form. Provide at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Indoors, place the plant near a south, east, or west-facing window. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where stems become leggy and leaves are sparse. Gradually acclimate the plant to brighter conditions to prevent sunburn.
Watering
Water Echeveria pulidonis using the “soak and dry” method. Thoroughly water until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Overwatering causes root rot, characterized by mushy leaves or stems. Underwatering results in wrinkled or shriveled leaves. Adjust watering seasonally: less in dormant winter, more in active spring and summer.
Soil
Well-draining soil prevents waterlogging and root rot for Echeveria pulidonis. Use a specialized succulent or cactus potting mix for drainage and aeration. Amending standard potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand improves drainage. A mixture with 50% to 70% mineral grit ensures proper water flow. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria pulidonis prefers moderate temperatures, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C) during its active growing season. It is not frost-hardy; protect it from freezing conditions below 40°F (4°C). Move the plant indoors during cold winters in frost-prone regions. This succulent thrives in arid environments and prefers low humidity. High humidity increases the risk of fungal issues and rot, so ensure well-ventilated spaces.
Fertilizing
Echeveria pulidonis has minimal fertilization requirements. Apply a diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer sparingly during its active growing season (spring and summer). Over-fertilization can harm the plant, causing chemical burn or weak growth. Reduce or eliminate fertilization during the dormant winter. A balanced formula, such as a 2-7-7 N-P-K ratio, is suitable.
Potting and Repotting
Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation around the roots. Terracotta pots are a good choice due to their porous nature, which allows for better airflow and quicker soil drying. Repotting is necessary every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound or the soil mixture degrades.
When repotting, select a container slightly larger than the previous one. Repot during spring, the start of the plant’s active growing season. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shaking off excess soil and trimming any dead or rotting roots. Place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining succulent soil, ensuring the crown is not buried. Wait at least a week before watering to allow damaged roots to heal and reduce rot risk.
Propagation Techniques
Echeveria pulidonis can be propagated using leaf or stem cuttings. For leaf cuttings, carefully remove a healthy leaf, ensuring the entire base is intact. Allow the leaf to dry and form a callus over the cut end for a few days to a week; this prevents rot. Once calloused, place the leaf on top of or slightly inserted into well-draining succulent soil. Roots and new plantlets emerge from the calloused end, drawing moisture from the parent leaf until it shrivels.
Stem cuttings involve cutting a portion of the stem with a few leaves. Allow the stem to callus for several days before planting in soil. Another method is separating offsets, or “pups,” small rosettes that form at the base of the plant. Gently remove these, allow them to callus if necessary, and then plant them. Propagation is most successful during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Echeveria pulidonis is hardy, but issues can arise from improper care. Etiolation occurs when the plant stretches and becomes leggy with sparse leaves due to insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location can prevent further stretching, though existing etiolated growth may not revert to its compact form.
Overwatering leads to mushy, yellowing leaves, soft stems, and root rot. If signs appear, cease watering and allow the soil to dry completely. In severe cases, repot into fresh, dry, well-draining soil, removing any rotted parts. Underwatering causes leaves to wrinkle, shrivel, or become crispy. Adjust the watering schedule to ensure thorough soaking when the soil is dry.
Pests like mealybugs and aphids can affect Echeveria pulidonis. Regularly inspect the plant and remove dead leaves from the base to deter pests. If an infestation occurs, treat affected areas with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab for mealybugs or an insecticidal soap. Fungal diseases, exacerbated by high humidity or standing water, can cause rotting leaves. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues.