Scientific Name
Echeveria × gilva 'Red'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
This succulent is a somatic mutation of Echeveria 'Gilva', a hybrid from a cross between Echeveria agavoides and Echeveria elegans.
Description
Echeveria × gilva 'Red' is an attractive succulent that forms compact rosettes of thick, fleshy, mahogany red leaves with a green base. The rosettes slowly grow to 7 inches (17.5 cm) in diameter, producing offsets to form a dense clump. Leaves are erect, pointed at the tip, and wedge-shaped at the base. The intensity of the red color varies depending on the season and growing conditions. Flowers are bell-shaped, reddish-pink with yellow tips, and appear in arching racemes on slender, unbranched, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall stalks from spring to fall.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria × gilva 'Red'
Light: E. × gilva 'Red' prefers full sun to partial shade. If you are moving your plant outside in the spring, do it gradually. The intense afternoon sun can cause sunburn. During the winter, when your E. × gilva 'Red' is inside, put it near the brightest window in your home. It will stretch if it does not have enough sunlight.
Soil: This succulent needs a potting soil mix that drains quickly. Many growers will create their own mix. However, commercial succulent potting mixes will work fine.
Temperature: This plant is a tender succulent, which means it must be brought indoors for the winter to survive. E. × gilva 'Red' can withstand temperatures as low as 20 °F (-6.7 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: Provide moderate amounts of water from spring to fall. The "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for watering E. × gilva 'Red'. If you have saucers under the pots, make sure after a short time to empty the water. Water your plant just enough to keep it from shriveling during the winter months.
Fertilizing: E. × gilva 'Red' grows well without fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring or a liquid fertilizer diluted 2 to 4 times more than usual and used less often than recommended.
Repotting: Repot the plant only as needed during spring or early summer when it is actively growing. To repot your E. × gilva 'Red', ensure the soil is dry before repotting.
Propagation: Like most Echeverias, this succulent is usually propagated from leaves or offsets. Spring is the best time to take leaf cuttings and separate offsets.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria × gilva 'Red'
E. × gilva 'Red' has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans, although it is not advisable to eat it.
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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