Echeveria derenbergii (Painted Lady)

Scientific Name

Echeveria derenbergii J.A.Purpus

Common Name(s)

Baby Echeveria, Painted Lady

Scientific Classification

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

Etymology

The generic name "Echeveria" (pronounced "ech-eh-VER-ee-a") honors Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy🡕 (fl. 1771–1803), an 18th-century botanical artist and naturalist from New Spain who trained at the Royal Art Academy in Mexico City.

The specific epithet "derenbergii" (pronounced "der-en-BERG-ee-eye") likely honors Julius Derenberg🡕 (1873–1928), a German physician and plant collector with a particular interest in Mesembs.

Echeveria derenbergii (Painted Lady) forming a dense colony of compact, blue-green rosettes with tightly overlapping fleshy leaves and several upright flower stalks bearing orange-pink buds. — *Photo via jardinetmaison.fr*

Description

Echeveria derenbergii is a beautiful succulent that forms dense, pagoda-shaped rosettes of light green, somewhat glaucous leaves, often with reddish margins and tips. The rosettes can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter and aggressively produce offsets from a young age, forming large clumps over time. The leaves are thick, fleshy, obovate-cuneate, and end abruptly in a short, sharp point. They can measure up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thick.

From late winter to summer, Echeveria derenbergii produces yellow, cup-shaped flowers with "painted" red keels and tips. The flowers appear on erect, leafy stalks that can reach 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall.

Origin

Echeveria derenbergii is native to Mexico. It occurs in the Sierra Mixteca in eastern Oaxaca.

Hybrids of Echeveria derenbergii

How to Grow and Care for Echeveria derenbergii

Light: Echeveria derenbergii requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. Additionally, if you plan to move the plant outside in the spring, do so gradually and avoid exposing it to intense afternoon sun.

Soil: Fast-draining soil is most important for growing a healthy succulent. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial succulent soil is also suitable.

Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air. However, Echeveria derenbergii is a tender succulent that must be brought indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 20°F to 50°F (-6.7°C to 10°C).

Watering: During the growing season, the "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for this plant. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Water sparingly during the winter, only enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Above all, if you have a saucer under the pot, empty the excess water.

Fertilizing: Although the plant can grow well without fertilizer, it may benefit from additional nutrients. Fertilize only during the growing season, using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Repotting: If growing in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer, but ensure the soil is dry before repotting. Also, always use a container with drainage holes.

Propagation: Echeveria derenbergii is usually propagated from offsets, but you can also grow it from leaves and seeds. The best time to take cuttings is spring, while spring or summer is ideal for sowing seeds.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.

Toxicity of Echeveria purpusorum

Echeveria purpusorum has no reported toxic effects and is considered safe for growing around children and pets.

Photo Gallery

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