The ‘Devotion’ succulent is a visually striking plant, popular for its vibrant coloration and unique texture. Its distinctive appearance and straightforward care make it a rewarding addition to many plant collections. This hybrid’s hues intensify with proper light exposure.
Identifying Devotion Succulent
The ‘Devotion’ succulent, Echeveria pulvinata ‘Devotion’, is a cultivar of Echeveria pulvinata. Its leaves are typically soft green, developing pink or purple hints along the margins when exposed to bright light. With sufficient sunlight, this color deepens to a vibrant burgundy or deep red.
A key characteristic of ‘Devotion’ is its velvety texture, resulting from fine, soft hairs covering the entire plant. Unlike some other Echeveria varieties with waxy leaves, ‘Devotion’ feels tactile and fuzzy to the touch, earning it the common name ‘Chenille Plant’. It forms a compact, multi-branching rosette that can reach a height of about 6 inches (15 cm).
Devotion Succulent Care
Light Requirements
‘Devotion’ succulents thrive in bright light conditions, ideally receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain their vibrant coloration and compact shape. While they can tolerate some partial shade, insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch and become leggy as it reaches for a light source, and its distinctive red hues may fade. When moving a ‘Devotion’ succulent outdoors in spring, do so gradually to prevent sunburn from intense afternoon sun.
Watering Practices
These succulents are drought-tolerant and prefer a “soak and dry” watering method. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot if the soil remains excessively moist. Watering frequency varies with the season; thorough watering is needed during spring and summer, while winter watering should be significantly reduced, perhaps to once a month, to prevent root rot. Avoid letting water sit in leaf rosettes or at the base of stems.
Soil and Drainage
Well-draining soil is essential for the health of ‘Devotion’ succulents, as their roots require good air circulation. A specialized succulent or cactus mix is ideal, and adding perlite or pumice can further enhance drainage. Using pots with drainage holes is also important to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom and causing root issues. Ceramic pots are often recommended due to their permeability, allowing for better air exchange compared to plastic pots.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Devotion’ succulents prefer warm, dry conditions and thrive in average room temperatures between 65 and 80°F (18-27°C) during spring and summer. While they tolerate brief temperature drops, they are not frost-hardy and should be brought indoors if temperatures fall below 40°F (4°C). They prefer low humidity; average indoor levels of 40-50% are suitable. Excessive humidity can contribute to root rot.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing ‘Devotion’ succulents should be done sparingly. During the active growing season in spring and summer, apply a diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer once or twice. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a liquid seaweed feed, as high nitrogen content can lead to leggy growth and weakened cell walls. Always dilute liquid fertilizers to half or even a quarter of the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Propagating Devotion Succulent
Propagating ‘Devotion’ succulents is achieved through leaf or stem cuttings, with spring being an ideal time. For leaf cuttings, carefully remove a healthy, mature leaf from the mother plant, ensuring the entire base is intact. Allow the detached leaf to callus, forming a dry scab over the wound, for a few days to a week in a warm, dry area away from direct sunlight.
Once callused, lay the leaf cutting on top of well-draining succulent soil. New roots and tiny plantlets emerge from the callused end. For stem cuttings, cut a healthy stem with several leaves, removing lower leaves to expose a portion of the stem. Allow the cut end to callus for several days before planting it upright in dry succulent soil. After roots develop, lightly mist the soil around the cuttings to encourage further growth, gradually increasing watering as the new plant establishes.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
One of the most frequent issues with ‘Devotion’ succulents is overwatering, manifesting as soft, mushy, or yellowing leaves and stems. This leads to root rot, where roots decay due to excessive moisture. To address this, stop watering immediately, allow the soil to dry completely, and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
Conversely, underwatering causes leaves to shrivel, wrinkle, or turn brown. A thorough watering is then needed to rehydrate the plant. Another common problem is etiolation, where the plant stretches and produces sparse, pale growth due to insufficient light. Moving the ‘Devotion’ to a brighter location with more direct sunlight helps it regain its compact form and vibrant color.
Pest infestations, particularly mealybugs and aphids, affect ‘Devotion’ succulents. Regular inspection allows for early detection and treatment. These pests are often managed by gently wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap.