Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’ is a hybrid succulent, resulting from a cross between Sedum morganianum and Echeveria derenbergii. This plant showcases cascading stems densely covered with fleshy, teardrop-shaped, mint-green leaves, often featuring a powdery coating of farina. Its robust nature and trailing habit make it a popular choice for hanging baskets.
Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’ Care Guide
Light Requirements
Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’ thrives in bright, indirect light. While it tolerates some direct sun, protect it from intense afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorching. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where stems stretch and appear leggy as the plant reaches for more light. This can also cause leaves to lose their vibrant mint-green color.
Watering Practices
Employing the “soak and dry” method is crucial for watering Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes, then ensure no excess water remains in the saucer. Adjust watering frequency seasonally, watering more often in warmer growing seasons and reducing significantly during cooler, dormant periods.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, gritty soil mix is important for Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’. Succulent-specific soil, often containing mineral grit like coarse sand, pumice, or perlite, provides necessary drainage and aeration. Pots must have drainage holes to facilitate water runoff and prevent the plant from sitting in excess moisture. Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, ideally in spring.
Temperature and Humidity
Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’ prefers warm climates and is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11b, tolerating temperatures from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). Some sources suggest it can be cold hardy down to 0°F (-17.8°C), but it is generally considered a soft succulent that will not survive a hard frost. If temperatures risk freezing, bring the plant indoors to a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. This succulent thrives in arid environments with low humidity.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’ is not always necessary, as succulents have low nutrient demands. However, for those looking to encourage faster or larger growth, a balanced, low-nitrogen succulent-specific fertilizer can be applied during the active growing season, typically spring and summer. Fertilize at half-strength to avoid weakening or burning the plant. Refrain from fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant.
Propagating Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’
Propagating Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’ is straightforward through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, snip a healthy stem with clean scissors or a knife, ensuring a few leaves remain on the cutting. For leaf propagation, gently twist a healthy leaf from the main stem, ensuring the entire leaf, including the base, detaches cleanly.
After taking cuttings, allow them to callous for a few days to a week in a dry, airy location. This callousing prevents rot when planted. Once the cut end has dried and formed a callus, plant the cutting or lay the leaf on top of well-draining succulent soil. Roots form in 4-6 weeks, and new growth emerges from the leaf or stem.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’ can encounter common problems. Etiolation indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight helps prevent this issue.
Root rot is a frequent problem caused by overwatering, where roots sit in excessively moist soil. To remedy this, unpot the plant, trim away any mushy or blackened roots, and allow healthy roots to dry before repotting in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pests like mealybugs can infest this succulent. Treat these small, white, cottony insects by spraying affected areas thoroughly with 35%-70% isopropyl alcohol daily until pests are no longer visible.