Echeveria 'Blue Dude'

Scientific Name

Echeveria 'Blue Dude'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria

Origin

Echeveria 'Blue Dude' is a hybrid created by Robert Campbell and results form a cross between Echeveria 'Joy's Giant' and Echeveria laui.

Description

Echeveria 'Blue Dude' is a beautiful succulent that forms rosettes of rounded, powdery blue leaves with clear pink overtones under dry or cool conditions. The rosettes can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) in height and 4 inches (60 cm) in diameter. There are several slightly different clones in circulation.

The flowers are orange-red and appear on short-branched inflorescences that arise between lower leaves.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Most common Echeveria species are not complicated succulents to grow, provided you follow a few basic rules. First, be careful never to let water sit in the rosette as it can cause rot or fungal diseases that will kill the plant. Additionally, remove dead leaves from the bottom of the plant as it grows. These dead leaves provide a haven for pests, and Echeverias are susceptible to mealy bugs. Finally, as with all succulents, careful watering habits and plenty of light will help ensure success.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide.

Most Echeverias can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, although some are better from seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate a leaf cutting, place the individual leaf in potting soil for succulents and cover the dish until the new plant sprouts.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.

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