Echeveria ‘Benitsukasa’ is a succulent, a Japanese cultivar of Echeveria nodulosa. It features distinctive elongated leaves arranged in a rosette, often reaching 6-8 inches in diameter. Its foliage is deep green with vibrant pink to red markings, sometimes developing irregular, bumpy caruncles. Colors intensify to purplish-red in full sun.
Echeveria Benitsukasa Care
Light
Echeveria ‘Benitsukasa’ thrives in bright light, requiring full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and vibrant coloration. Ample sunlight maintains its compact rosette form. Indoors, place the plant near the brightest window. When transitioning an indoor plant outdoors in spring, gradually acclimate it to prevent scorching from intense afternoon sun.
Watering
This succulent prefers the “soak and dry” method: deeply saturate the soil, then allow it to dry completely before the next watering. Overwatering is common and leads to root rot. During the spring and summer growing season, water approximately once per week, ensuring the soil is fully dry between applications. In winter, reduce watering significantly, only enough to prevent shriveling. Always ensure excess water drains away and does not sit in a saucer.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential for Echeveria ‘Benitsukasa’ to prevent water retention and root rot. A succulent-specific blend or homemade mix is ideal. A common mixture is two parts potting mix, two parts coarse sand, and one part perlite or pumice. This mimics its native gritty, rocky, well-drained conditions, promoting aeration.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria ‘Benitsukasa’ prefers temperatures between 68°F and 100.4°F (20°C and 38°C) during its active growing season. As a tender succulent, it must be protected from freezing temperatures and will not survive a hard frost. While it tolerates short periods down to 30°F (-1.1°C), bring the plant indoors if temperatures risk dropping below freezing. High humidity is not preferred; these plants thrive in drier conditions.
Fertilizing
Echeveria ‘Benitsukasa’ grows well without frequent fertilization but may benefit from nutrients during its growing season. If fertilizing, use a water-soluble succulent-specific fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply only in spring and summer (active growth periods), avoiding dormancy to prevent weakening or burning.
Potting and Repotting Echeveria Benitsukasa
Potting
When selecting a pot, drainage holes are essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Terracotta pots are recommended due to their porous nature, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and promoting airflow. Plastic pots retain more moisture, making overwatering easier. The pot size should be appropriate; a pot that is too large can hold excessive moisture and encourage root growth at the expense of foliage.
Repotting
Repotting is typically done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing or has outgrown its container. Before repotting, ensure the soil is completely dry. Gently remove the plant, carefully removing old soil and any dead or rotted roots. Place the plant in its new pot, spreading roots, and backfill with fresh, well-draining succulent soil.
Propagating Echeveria Benitsukasa
Echeveria ‘Benitsukasa’ can be propagated through leaf cuttings or by removing offsets, also known as “chicks.” Spring is the optimal time for propagation.
Leaf Propagation
Gently separate a healthy leaf from the main stem, ensuring the entire leaf, including the base, is intact. Allow the leaf to callus for a few days in a dry, shaded area before placing it on well-draining soil.
Offset Propagation
Offsets are small plantlets that form around the base of the mother plant. Carefully remove an offset, allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a day or two, then plant it in its own well-draining soil mix.
Keep both leaf and offset propagations in a bright location but out of direct, intense sunlight until new roots and growth are established.
Common Issues with Echeveria Benitsukasa
Overwatering is a frequent problem, leading to mushy, yellowing, or translucent leaves and root rot. If signs appear, stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry thoroughly. Conversely, underwatering causes leaves to become wrinkled, shriveled, or dull; a thorough soak using the “soak and dry” method will help recovery.
Etiolation, or leggy growth, occurs when the plant does not receive enough light, causing the stem to stretch and leaves to space far apart. Remedy this by moving the plant to a brighter location. If significantly leggy, beheading the rosette and replanting the top after it calluses can create a more compact plant.
Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can affect Echeveria. Inspect plants regularly and treat infestations with appropriate organic solutions.
Leaf drop, particularly of older, lower leaves, is natural as the plant grows, but excessive or sudden drop indicates watering issues or stress. Removing dead leaves from the base can deter pests.