Echeveria 'Hercules'

Scientific Name

Echeveria 'Hercules'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This succulent is a patented hybrid created by Gert Ubink by crossing an unnamed Echeveria pulidonis cultivar with an unnamed Echeveria elegans cultivar in 2006 in Kudelstaart, Netherlands. It was selected in 2008 and patented (PP26230) in 2015.

Description

Echeveria 'Hercules' is a small succulent that forms basal rosettes of smooth, grey-green, densely packed leaves with pink to purple margins and tips. The rosettes can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and produce offsets, forming a dense clump with age. The leaves are fleshy, lance-shaped, with a more pointed end at the base, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. The coating of epicuticular wax gives the leaves a soft, pastel look. The leaf backside is pinkish to purplish when stressed by drought or winter temperatures.

In late spring and summer, the yellow, bell-shaped flowers appear nodding in unbranched inflorescences that rise well above the rosettes.

How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Hercules'

Light: E. 'Hercules' prefers full sun to partial shade. If you move your plant outside in the spring, do it gradually. The intense afternoon sun can cause sunburn. During the winter, when your E. 'Hercules' 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 create their own mix, but commercial succulent potting mixes work well.

Temperature: This plant is a tender succulent, which means it must be brought indoors for the winter to survive. E. 'Hercules' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 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. 'Hercules'. If you have saucers under the pots, empty the water briefly. Water your plant just enough to keep it from shriveling during winter.

Fertilizing: E. 'Hercules' grows well without fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. In spring, use a slow-release or 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 grows actively. To repot your E. 'Hercules', 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 'Hercules'

E. 'Hercules' has no reported toxic effects. It is safe for pets and humans, although it is not advisable to eat it.

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