Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ is a popular succulent native to Oaxaca, Mexico, known for its attractive, velvety appearance and distinctive coloration. This guide covers its care and common issues.
Identifying Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’
Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ features small rosettes of thick, spoon-shaped leaves covered in soft, silvery-white hairs, giving it a fuzzy, plush texture. Common names include “Plush Plant” and “Red Velvet.” Its vibrant ruby-red coloration on the tips and margins intensifies with cooler temperatures or increased sun exposure. Rosettes typically reach 3 to 4 inches wide, and the plant can grow up to 12 inches tall, forming a shrubby appearance with multiple branching rosettes. In late winter to early spring, it produces arching flower stalks, up to 1 foot long, bearing bell-shaped orange or yellow flowers.
Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ Care
Light
Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ thrives in bright, direct sunlight, which enhances its vibrant red coloration and maintains a compact rosette form. Indoors, a south-facing window provides ample light. Outdoors, full sun to partial shade is suitable, but protect from intense midday sun during hot summers to prevent leaf burn. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where the plant stretches with sparse, dull-colored leaves.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’, which is susceptible to root rot from overwatering. Use the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. This means watering every two weeks indoors or weekly outdoors, depending on conditions. During winter dormancy, reduce watering to about once a month to prevent cold, damp soil. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, and avoid watering directly onto the rosette, as fuzzy leaves can trap moisture and cause fungal issues.
Soil
A well-draining, gritty, and aerated soil mix is essential for Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Commercial succulent or cactus mixes are suitable. Alternatively, mix regular potting soil with amendments like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand in a 1:1 ratio for drainage. The substrate should allow water to pass through quickly, mimicking its natural arid habitat. Always use pots with drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ prefers average room temperatures and tolerates warmer conditions. It is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11b, tolerating temperatures down to about 25°F, but requires protection from frost. If temperatures drop below freezing, bring the plant indoors. This succulent prefers low humidity, ideally below 50%. High humidity, especially with wet leaves, increases the risk of fungal diseases like rust.
Fertilizing
Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ has low fertilizer requirements. Fertilization is not essential for its growth, but if desired, apply a balanced, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer sparingly at half strength during its active growing season in spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy. Over-fertilization can lead to weak, leggy growth.
Propagating Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’
Propagating Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ can be achieved through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or offsets. After planting any type of cutting, provide gentle moisture and bright, indirect light until new roots establish.
Leaf Cuttings
For leaf propagation, carefully remove a healthy leaf from the mother plant, ensuring its entire base is intact. Allow detached leaves to callus for a few days in a warm, dry area with bright, indirect light to prevent rot. After callusing, place leaves on well-draining succulent potting mix; new roots and rosettes should emerge within weeks, particularly in spring or summer.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are effective, especially for leggy plants. Cut a healthy stem section with a few leaf nodes, allow the cut end to callus for several days, then plant upright in moist, well-draining soil.
Offsets
Offsets are small plantlets that grow at the base of the main plant. They can be gently separated and replanted directly into new soil.
Common Problems and Solutions
Root Rot
Root rot is a frequent issue for Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’, caused by overwatering. Symptoms include mushy stems or leaves. Solutions involve allowing soil to dry completely between waterings, ensuring excellent drainage, and repotting into fresh, dry soil after trimming any rotted roots.
Light Issues
Etiolation indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to more direct sunlight to encourage compact growth and vibrant coloration. Leaf scorching (brown or black spots) results from too much harsh sun, especially if unacclimated. Gradually introduce the plant to brighter conditions or provide afternoon shade.
Pests
Pests like mealybugs and scale insects can infest Echeverias. Manage them by isolating the affected plant and treating with rubbing alcohol or neem oil. Removing dead leaves from the base helps prevent pest infestations, as they provide hiding spots.