The Echeveria harmsii ‘Ruby Slippers’ is a distinctive succulent known for its striking appearance. It forms a compact rosette of paddle-shaped, green leaves, which are covered with a soft, silvery fuzz. The tips display a vibrant red-orange coloration, making ‘Ruby Slippers’ a popular ornamental plant.
Growing Conditions and Care
Light Requirements
‘Ruby Slippers’ succulents thrive with ample light. Bright, direct sunlight promotes vibrant coloration and a compact growth habit. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where the plant stretches and grows leggy, losing its dense rosette form. While direct sun is beneficial, monitor for sunburn in intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates.
Watering Techniques
The ‘soak and dry’ method is effective for watering ‘Ruby Slippers’ succulents. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. This prevents root rot, a common issue from consistently wet soil. During dormancy, typically in cooler months, reduce watering frequency to avoid overhydration.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix is essential for the health of ‘Ruby Slippers’ succulents. A specialized succulent or cactus mix, enhanced with gritty amendments like perlite or pumice, prevents waterlogging and improves aeration. Terracotta pots are preferred as they allow for better moisture evaporation, and drainage holes are necessary for proper water runoff.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Ruby Slippers’ succulents prefer moderate temperatures and are sensitive to frost. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b, tolerating temperatures from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C). In colder winters, bring plants indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures, which cause permanent damage. These succulents also prefer low humidity, aligning with their native arid conditions.
Fertilizing
Fertilization for ‘Ruby Slippers’ should be minimal, if applied at all. If fertilizing, apply sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted succulent-specific fertilizer. Over-fertilization can harm the plant. Many growers find these succulents grow sufficiently without added nutrients, relying on a quality potting mix.
Propagating Ruby Slippers
Propagating ‘Ruby Slippers’ succulents can be achieved through several methods.
Leaf Cuttings
For leaf propagation, carefully remove a healthy, intact leaf from the main plant. Allow the detached leaf to callus (dry and form a protective seal) for a few days to a week before placing it on well-draining soil. New plantlets will emerge from the callused end, growing into mature plants.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are useful for etiolated plants. Cut a section of the stem with several leaves. Like leaf cuttings, allow the cut end to callus before planting in a suitable soil mix. This method rejuvenates leggy plants by promoting new, compact growth.
Offsets
Offsets, or pups, are miniature versions of the parent plant that naturally grow around the base. Carefully separate these from the mother plant and plant individually once they have developed roots.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Etiolation
Etiolation, or stretching, is a common problem caused by insufficient light. The plant’s stems elongate and leaves become spaced out, losing their compact form. To correct this, gradually move the plant to a brighter location with more direct sunlight. Severely etiolated stems can be pruned and propagated as stem cuttings to encourage bushier growth.
Overwatering and Root Rot
Overwatering often leads to root rot. Signs include mushy, discolored leaves or a soft, decaying stem. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot and trim away any affected roots. Repot into fresh, dry, well-draining soil and adjust to the ‘soak and dry’ watering method for recovery.
Pests
Common succulent pests like mealybugs or aphids can infest ‘Ruby Slippers’. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, while aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects on new growth. Use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to remove individual pests. For widespread infestations, spray with a diluted neem oil solution.