Echeveria pulidonis
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Echeveria pulidonis

Echeveria Pulidonis

Photo · (c) cliff riesmeier, all rights reserved, uploaded by cliff riesmeier COURTESY INATURALIST
A NOTE OF INTEREST

Echeveria pulidonis is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, native to Mexico. It commonly thrives in rocky areas and cliffs. The plant features a rosette shape with thick, fleshy leaves that are blue-green with reddish tips. These leaves are coated in a powdery substance that helps retain moisture.

During the summer, Echeveria pulidonis produces small, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems. The flowers are usually yellow or orange and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

This plant is easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight. It prefers well-draining soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings.

As an Echeveria ages, the trunk tends to grow long and thick, while the rosette at the tip becomes smaller. To prevent this, consider beheading Pulido's Echeveria when the rosette is still larger than the stem. This method promotes a healthier stem that can produce roots and offset plants. The beheaded portion will develop new roots and continue to grow. FUN FACT · FROM THE LIBRARY

Echeveria pulidonis can be propagated through leaf cuttings or by separating offsets from the mother plant. With proper care, this succulent can flourish for several years, adding unique beauty to any garden or indoor space.

A note from PlantMom

Pulido's echeveria has moderate resistance to disease but is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes susceptible to illness when humidity is high and is liable to develop root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, Pulido's echeveria tolerates drought but requires more water in the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Pulido's echeveria is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be challenging to care for, especially during dormancy. It is particularly suited to those who can spend time tending to it over the winter months.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Echeveria Pulidonis.

Light

Pulido's echeveria requires abundant, unfiltered sunlight, though it can tolerate stretches of gentler, intermittent light. In its native environment with constant sun it does well, but if light is either too scarce or too intense its health may decline.

Water

Pulido's echeveria is well-suited for dry environments, displaying impressive drought tolerance thanks to its succulent leaves that store water. It only needs watering once every three weeks and thrives in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Because of its low moisture needs, it is often kept indoors.

Humidity

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Temperature

Pulido's echeveria is a temperate woody species that favors temperatures of 68 to 100℉ (20 to 38℃) in its native habitat. It is advisable to change the temperature with the seasons to keep it within that preferred range.

Fertilizer

For Pulido's echeveria, small amounts of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are adequate. Do not fertilize in winter or summer, when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for plants that have been repotted, and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes blooms.

Pruning

Large succulent plants, such as Pulido's echeveria, may need pruning to maintain their shape during the spring and fall. To prune, use tools like knives and scissors to remove dense branches. If you want to propagate the plant, cut a sturdy stem with 5-6 leaves. Treat the cut wound with sulfur powder, and once it has healed, plant it in slightly damp soil.

Pot & Repot

When transplanting Pulido's echeveria, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and place it at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and keep it in a brightly lit spot.

Toxicity

Good news, pet parents — succulents in the Echeveria genus are safe to grow around pets and humans! In fact, Echeverias are commonly used as decorations on wedding cakes, although organically grown succulents are recommended. Nevertheless, mischievous pets and children should be supervised around Echeverias as although they are non-toxic, consuming them is not recommended.

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.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Succulent, Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Echeveria
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-12
Mature Height
20 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 20 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Blue, Red
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Mexico
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Pulido's Echeveria en Chicks n hens en Lady's lipstick en Flowering Green Sun en Hybrid pulidonis x Mexican Giant
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Pulido's echeveria plant to make sure it stays healthy?

To properly water Pulido's echeveria, follow these steps. Wait until spring when new leaves are growing before watering. Only water when the soil in the pot is completely dry. You can use tap water or distilled water. Avoid watering from above; instead, water at the base of the plant, applying water slowly and evenly across the soil surface. This method ensures consistent moisture without wetting the above-ground parts of the plant. Keep watering until you see excess water draining from the pot's hole.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Pulido's echeveria?

When you fertilize Pulido's echeveria, you're adding nutrients to the soil which is important for healthy growth. Even though it already stores water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season further supports healthy growth. Moreover, fertilizing can also stimulate mature specimens to produce blooms in the growing season.

What are the sunlight requirements for Pulido's echeveria?

Pulido's echeveria thrives in conditions where it can receive abundant, unfiltered sunlight but also does well in periods of softer, broken solar exposure reminiscent of its natural habit of continuous sun. Generally, full sun plants need more than 6 hours of sunlight, while partial sun plants require about 3-6 hours. It's crucial to monitor the sunlight movement through your garden to ensure your plants get the appropriate balance of light and shade for optimal growth.

What temperature range is ideal for Pulido's echeveria?

Pulido's echeveria thrives in a temperature range of 68 to 100°F (20 to 38°C) in its native environment. During its growing season in the winter, it's important to keep the temperature above 20°C for optimal growth. It's suggested to adjust temperatures with the seasons to stay within this preferred range. When temperatures drop below 0°C, bringing the plant indoors to a well-lit area is advisable, adjusting watering accordingly and considering additional protection like a temporary greenhouse in consistently low outdoor temperatures.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Pulido's echeveria plant?

Overwatering is a common problem with Pulido's echeveria, and it can quickly lead to the plant's death. To prevent overwatering, it's important to let the soil dry completely before watering. Many people tend to water the plant incorrectly, especially during dormancy. In this case, we will focus on how to fix the issue of overwatering. If your Pulido's echeveria shows signs of overwatering, it's best to remove it from its current pot and examine the roots. Remove any rot or moisture-related disease from the roots, while some roots can be cleaned and return to health. Then, repot the plant in well-draining soil to reduce the chances of future overwatering. Although less common, underwatering can also occur. In such cases, simply water the plant slightly more frequently, being careful not to overcompensate and overwater the plant.

When should I fertilize my Pulido's echeveria for best results?

Pulido's echeveria, like all plants, benefits from extra nutrients. However, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer during its growing season. It is recommended to fertilize the plant 1-2 times a year, specifically in the spring and autumn, but not during its dormant periods in winter and summer. If the plant has been recently repotted, it's important to be cautious with fertilizer and use less than usual. It's also advisable to wait a few months after repotting before starting to apply fertilizer.

How can artificial lighting be used for Pulido's echeveria?

When natural sunlight is insufficient, artificial lighting can be a vital solution for indoor plants like Pulido's echeveria, especially in winter or less sunny spaces. LED lights are popular for indoor plant lighting because they can provide specific wavelengths needed by the plants. The amount of artificial light required varies by the plant's sunlight needs: 30-50W/sq ft for full sun plants, 20-30W/sq ft for partial sun plants, and 10-20W/sq ft for full shade plants. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight, and most plants benefit from 8-12 hours of light per day.

How should I care for Pulido's echeveria in low temperature conditions?

In low temperature conditions, especially when the thermometer drops below -5°C, Pulido's echeveria is at risk of suffering from water-soaked necrosis and wilting due to its intolerance to extreme cold. Should there be mild frost damage, symptoms such as significant wilting and leaf drop may appear after a week. To manage this, trim off the frostbitten areas and move the plant to a warm indoor environment or set up a makeshift greenhouse to provide cold protection. Ensuring the plant is near a south-facing window will guarantee ample sunlight, and proper ventilation within a greenhouse setup is crucial to prevent decay.

How frequently should I water my Pulido's echeveria plant?

Pulido's echeveria is a succulent plant that requires less water than most other plants. This is because it is native to a hot and dry region. To care for this plant properly, you should let the soil dry out completely before watering it again. This typically takes around two weeks to a month. The frequency of watering depends on the season. During the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, the soil may take 2-3 weeks to dry completely. During the summer, the soil may dry out even faster. However, when the temperature drops below 60 degrees or goes above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant goes into a dormant or semi-dormant state. It does not need as much water during this time. Instead, you should reduce or stop watering until the temperature becomes suitable for growth again, and then resume watering.

When should I not put fertilizer on my Pulido's echeveria?

Pulido's echeveria, like other plants, enters a dormancy period where fertilizer applications should be halted. This occurs in the summer and winter when the plant stops growing. It is also recommended to refrain from fertilizing for a few months after repotting in the spring.

What are the symptoms of inadequate lighting for Pulido's echeveria?

Pulido's echeveria may exhibit several symptoms if exposed to suboptimal lighting, including lighter-colored new leaves, indicating a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients; leggy or sparse growth, showing the plant's struggle to reach for light; slower or no new growth as the plant enters survival mode; chlorosis, or the loss of green color in leaves; sunscald from intense exposure; leaf curling as a defense against excessive light; wilting due to increased water loss; and leaf scorching, seen as brown, dry edges on leaves. These symptoms highlight the importance of providing adequate light.

What should I do if Pulido's echeveria is exposed to high temperatures?

During the summer or whenever temperatures exceed 43°C, Pulido's echeveria may enter a dormant state and become more susceptible to rot under high humidity conditions. To care for Pulido's echeveria in high temperatures, promptly remove any dry and rotten parts of the plant. Moving the plant to a partially shaded area will help protect it from direct midday and afternoon sunlight. Watering should be stopped until the weather cools down to prevent further stress to the plant.

ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.