Echeveria peacockii is a scientific name that has been used for two plants:
Dudleya pulverulenta, for which it is a synonym Echeveria desmetiana, for which it is an illegitimate name
The Peacock Echeveria is a popular type of succulent known for its distinct appearance. The leaves of this plant grow outward from a central point, forming a rosette that resembles a flower or rose. The name "Peacock Echeveria" comes from its specific epithet, "peacokii."
Peacock echeveria has moderate disease resistance but is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes vulnerable to illnesses when humidity is high and is liable to develop root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, Peacock echeveria tolerates drought yet requires increased watering in the active growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Peacock echeveria is best suited to growers with some experience, as it can be challenging to care for, particularly during dormancy. It is especially appropriate for those who can devote time to its care over the winter months.
How to keep Echeveria Peacockii.
Light
Peacock echeveria needs ample sunlight to do well, mirroring the strong sun of its native habitat. It can tolerate spots with less light, but excessive sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause stunted growth and faded color.
Water
The Peacock Echeveria is a hardy plant that excels in dry conditions, demonstrating excellent drought tolerance. It should be watered every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot. This evergreen succulent is perfect for indoor settings and thrives in well-draining soil, which suits its low moisture requirements and enhances its visual appeal.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
Peacock echeveria's native temperature conditions are a hot, dry climate with temperatures from 20 to 38 ℃ (68 to 100.4 ℉). The plant prefers warmth and can tolerate winter lows down to 10 ℃ (50 ℉). During summer, keep it in a well-ventilated spot and avoid subjecting it to temperatures over 38 ℃ (100.4 ℉).
Fertilizer
Peacock echeveria needs only light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Cut back on feeding for recently repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages flowering.
Pruning
To keep your peacock echeveria looking its best, prune it in the spring and fall by removing any dense or redundant branches. If you wish to propagate the plant, cut a sturdy stem with 5-6 leaves. Apply sulfur powder to the cut to protect it, and let it heal before planting it in slightly moist soil.
Pot & Repot
When repotting a peacock echeveria, choose a pot just a bit larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and set it at the same depth in the new pot. Wait a few days before watering to allow any root damage to heal. Repot in spring or fall, and place it in a brightly lit area.
Toxicity
Parents and pet owners rejoice! Echeveria peacockii are non-toxic to pets and humans, and pose no risk if ingested. They are so safe that many varieties of Echeveria are even used on wedding cakes as decorations. That being said, they are not necessarily considered edible so we don’t encourage snacking!
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Echeveria
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 6 cm to 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 15 cm
- Leaf Color
- Blue, Green, Red
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Red, Pink
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Mexico
Reader questions.
How should I water my Peacock echeveria?
To properly water a Peacock echeveria plant, you need to follow a few steps. First, wait until spring when new leaves are growing before watering. Once it's time to water, do so when the soil in the pot is completely dry. You can use either tap or distilled water. Avoid watering from above and instead water at the base of the plant, evenly spreading water across the soil's surface. This method ensures all parts of the soil are moist without wetting the above-ground parts. You can keep adding water until you see excess water draining from the pot's hole.
Why should I add fertilizer to my Peacock echeveria plant?
When fertilizing Peacock echeveria, nutrients are added to the growing medium. Although it stores water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season supports healthy growth. Additionally, fertilizing can encourage mature specimens to produce blooms in the growing season.
How much sun does Peacock echeveria need to grow?
The Peacock echeveria needs a minimum of 6 hours of sun per day, but it can benefit from even more sunlight. The exact number of hours may depend on the intensity of sunlight and other factors, but it is unlikely for the Peacock echeveria to receive excessive sunlight. In fact, it can tolerate up to 14 hours of sun per day with no issues.
What temperature is best for Peacock echeveria?
To provide the best conditions for Peacock echeveria, it is recommended to grow them in temperatures between 60-75℉ (15-25℃). Although they can tolerate slightly higher or lower temperatures, this range encourages optimal growth. Temps below 40℉(10℃) or above 95℉(35℃) will cause the plants to enter dormancy and stop growing. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures above 95℉ (35℃) can damage or even kill the plants.
What should I do if I give my Peacock echeveria plant too much or too little water?
Overwatering is a common problem for Peacock echeveria plants and can quickly lead to plant death. To prevent overwatering, it is important to let the soil dry completely before watering. Many people mistakenly water their plants too much, especially during the dormancy period. In this guide, we will focus on how to fix the issue of overwatering. If your Peacock echeveria shows signs of overwatering, it's recommended to remove it from its current pot. Check the roots for any signs of rot or moisture-related disease and remove them. Some roots may be salvageable after a thorough cleaning. Then, repot the plant in well-draining soil to prevent future overwatering. Although less common, underwatering can also occur. In this case, simply water the plant more frequently, taking care not to overcorrect and overwater it.
When should I fertilize my Peacock echeveria plant?
Peacock echeveria plants do best with a small amount of fertilizer during their growing season, which should be applied 1-2 times a year. It is recommended to fertilize them in the spring and autumn, but not during the winter or summer when they are dormant. If you have repotted your plants, be cautious with the amount of fertilizer and decrease it accordingly. It's also wise to wait a few months after repotting before beginning to use fertilizer.
What kind of sunlight does Peacock echeveria need?
Peacock echeveria thrive in bright sunlight and prefer direct light or bright indirect sun. While some types can survive in partial sun, they generally do best with more sunlight.
Does the Peacock echeveria need different temperatures at different stages of growth?
Peacock echeveria go through different phases of life depending on the temperature. During summer, they enter a dormant phase, while in winter, they go through a growing phase. To actively grow, peacock echeveria need cooler temperatures, but not too cold. If the temperature drops below 40℉(10℃) at any time of the year, they will enter a state of dormancy. On the other hand, high temperatures can also induce dormancy and reduce the plant's watering needs. During dormancy, it's important to avoid overwatering the plant, as that can cause root rot. Instead, only water the soil when it feels dry.
How often should I water my Peacock echeveria plant?
The Peacock echeveria is a type of succulent plant that requires very little water due to its natural habitat, which is hot and dry. To properly care for this plant, allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. This usually takes around two weeks to a month. The frequency of watering varies depending on the season. During the spring and summer, when the plant is in a growing state, water every 2-3 weeks. In the summer, the soil may dry out faster. However, when the temperature drops below 60 degrees or rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will be dormant and does not need watering. In this case, reduce or stop watering until the temperature is suitable for growth, and then resume watering.
When is the best time to not fertilize my Peacock echeveria?
Peacock echeveria, like most plants, goes through a dormancy period. During this time, it is best to avoid fertilizing the plant. The dormancy periods occur in the summer and winter when the plant stops growing. Additionally, it is recommended to not fertilize the plant for a couple of months after repotting in the spring.
Should I keep the Peacock echeveria out of direct sunlight?
Peacock echeveria thrives in scorching, sunny areas and is well-suited to that kind of environment, which means it can handle the sun without needing any special protection. However, if your Peacock echeveria isn't used to a very sunny location, it's important to make the transition gradually. Plants need time to adjust to new conditions, so start by exposing this plant to a couple of hours of sun each day, then gradually increase the duration. Once it has adapted, most types of Peacock echeveria can handle full sun without any extra precautions.
Three suggestions for managing the temperature of Peacock echeveria.
Here are some simplified tips for taking care of Peacock echeveria plants in different temperature conditions: Tip #1: Don't over-water in high temperatures. During summer, Peacock echeveria actually need less water. To check if the soil is dry enough, put your finger two inches below the surface. If it's already wet, avoid watering as it can cause root rot. Tip #2: Don't panic about temperature fluctuations. While it's best to keep the plants in the optimal range, they can survive temporary drops or rises in temperature. Fluctuations usually induce dormancy, resulting in reduced water usage. Return the plants to the correct range when possible, but don't worry if a sudden shift occurs. Tip #3: Avoid extreme heat exposure. Prolonged high temperatures cause Peacock echeveria to change and suffer damage. These changes may initially look pleasing, with leaves turning shades of red, yellow, or orange. However, the plant will eventually wither and cease growth, leading to death.
