echeveria pulvinata care guide

Echeveria Pulvinata ‘Ruby’ Care

Echeveria Pulvinata 'Ruby' is a captivating succulent known for its plush foliage and vibrant hues. This post will explore the unique characteristics of this succulent, from its origin to its care requirements, offering enthusiasts an insightful guide into nurturing this ruby-tinted gem.

Hardiness Zone

Zones: 9b - 11b

Ligthing Needs

Sun, Shade

Soil Needs

Average, Well-Drained, Gritty

Flowering Season

Fall, Winter

Water Requirements

Drought Tolerant, Regular

Succulent Grow Location

Indoors, Outdoors

Propagation Method

Seed, Cuttings

Toxicity

Considered non-toxic

ALso Known AS

Plush Plant, Chenille Plant, Ruby Slippers, Ruby Blush, Red Velvet

Origin

Rocky terrains of Mexico

leaf shape

Plush and velvety, with a slightly rounded, ovate shape. The edges of the leaves are often tinged with a ruby-red color

difficulty

Great for Beginners

Echeveria Pulvinata ‘Ruby’ is a specially cultivated variant of the Echeveria Pulvinata, a species native to the mountainous regions of Oaxaca, Mexico. Characterized by its distinctive rosette formation, this succulent features leaves densely covered in microscopic white hairs, imparting a unique velvety texture. The rosettes typically reach a size of 3 to 4 inches in width, forming a compact yet lush display.

The plant’s appearance is reminiscent of soft velvet or a delicate layer of morning frost, earning it the nicknames “plush plant” or “chenille plant”. Its leaves are a rich, velvety green, accentuated by striking red tips that become more pronounced under environmental stress or cooler temperatures. Adding to its beauty, Echeveria Pulvinata ‘Ruby’ produces bell-shaped orange flowers, which typically bloom during the cooler months, contrasting elegantly against the soft, plush foliage.

The interplay of colors and textures on this succulent is dynamic, with the intensity of the red tips varying based on factors like sunlight exposure and temperature changes, making it a fascinating and visually dynamic addition to any succulent collection.

Water Needs

Check the soil for dryness before watering. Plush plants are very susceptible to root rot, so water rarely, but deeply.

TEMPERATURE / Hardiness

Zones: 9b - 11b

Temperatures just above freezing and direct sun will make this succulent produce a brighter red color in the leaves.

Light

Prefers lots of light if indoors, can tolerate partial shade. Outdoors they prefer indirect sunlight and away from extreme heat. Growth will show faster with more sunlight.

dormancy

Winter

Echeveria Pulvinata 'Ruby' enters a dormancy period during the colder months. During this time, it requires minimal watering and should be kept in a cool, dry place with plenty of indirect light to maintain its health and prepare for spring growth.

Size

This succulent typically grows to about 6 to 8 inches in diameter, with the rosettes forming a compact, dense cluster.

Toxicity

This succulent is generally considered non-toxic to pets. However, it's always a good practice to keep plants out of reach of pets to avoid any potential issues.

flowers

FallWinter

Produces bell-shaped orange flowers, which typically bloom during the cooler months.

Soil

This Echeveria prefers a well-draining soil mix, ideally formulated for succulents or cacti.

Feeding

It benefits from fertilization during the growing season with a diluted, balanced, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in winter during its dormant period.

echeveria pulvinata red tip leaves
echeveria pulvinata close up image
echeveria pulvinata fuzzy leaves

how do you propagate Echeveria Pulvinata Ruby?

propagated from:

SeedCuttings

Propagates easily from leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. Remove a leaf from the mother plant with a clean straight cut, leave to callous for a few days, then place in the soil until roots appear.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Echeveria Pulvinata Ruby

What is the best way to water Echeveria Pulvinata 'Ruby'?

Echeveria Pulvinata 'Ruby' should be watered thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, and then let it dry out again before the next watering. I prefer to use the bottom watering method to ensure the soil is completely saturated. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage.

How much sunlight does Echeveria Pulvinata 'Ruby' need?

This succulent prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight, especially in the harsh midday, can burn the leaves, while insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch and lose its compact rosette shape. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.

Similar Topics in: Crassulaceae, Echeveria, Sedoideae