The Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’, often called the “Woolly Rose,” is a captivating succulent with unique texture. Its distinguishing feature is velvety, fuzzy leaves in a compact rosette, giving it a soft, wool-like appearance. This hybrid, created by Dr. W. Taylor in 1932 and named after his wife, originated from Echeveria pulvinata and Echeveria setosa. It is popular for its ornamental value in succulent arrangements, rock gardens, and container displays.
Caring for Echeveria Doris Taylor
Light Requirements
Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’ thrives in bright, direct sunlight, needing at least six hours daily to maintain its compact form and vibrant color. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy. Indoors, a south-facing window provides necessary light. Outdoors, full sun or partial afternoon shade helps prevent sunburn.
Watering Needs
Use the “soak and dry” method for watering Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’ to prevent root rot. Water thoroughly until excess drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Overwatering is a common issue for succulents and can lead to irreversible root rot. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s water requirements decrease.
Ideal Soil Mix
Well-draining soil is crucial for Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’ health, preventing waterlogging and root issues. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is suitable, providing aeration and drainage. Alternatively, create a DIY blend by mixing regular potting soil with gritty amendments like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. These additives improve drainage and airflow, mimicking succulents’ preferred dry conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’ prefers moderate temperatures, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C). While it tolerates higher temperatures, it is sensitive to frost and freezing conditions, causing damage. If outdoor temperatures drop below 20°F (-6.7°C), bring potted plants indoors for protection. This succulent tolerates average household humidity and does not require high humidity.
Fertilization
Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’ is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. If desired, apply a diluted, balanced liquid succulent fertilizer sparingly. Fertilize once or twice during the active growing season. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter when growth slows or dormancy occurs.
Propagating Echeveria Doris Taylor
Propagating Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’ is straightforward, commonly done through leaf or stem cuttings. For leaf cuttings, carefully remove a healthy, mature leaf by twisting it off. For stem cuttings, use a clean, sharp knife or shears, ensuring the cutting has a few inches of stem.
After taking cuttings, allow them to callus in a dry, open area for several days to prevent rot. Once callused, place them on well-draining soil or lightly insert the stem end. Provide bright, indirect light and mist lightly until roots form, then begin regular watering.
Common Issues with Echeveria Doris Taylor
Overwatering is a common issue for Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’, leading to mushy leaves and black stems, indicating root rot. Reduce watering immediately; if severe, unpot to remove rotten roots before repotting in fresh, dry soil.
Etiolation, with stretched stems and widely spaced leaves, results from insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location or under a grow light prevents further stretching. If etiolation is severe, beheading the plant encourages new, compact growth.
Pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites may affect Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’. They appear as small, cottony masses or tiny insects on leaves. Dab affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to eliminate them. For larger infestations, apply insecticidal soap.
Leaf drop or shriveling indicates either overwatering (mushy, translucent leaves) or underwatering (dry, crispy leaves). Adjusting the watering schedule using the “soak and dry” method rectifies these issues. Removing dead leaves from the plant’s base helps prevent pest infestations.