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 grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, producing offsets to form a dense clump. Leaves are fleshy, lance-shaped with a more pointed end at the base, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 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. Flowers are yellow and bell-shaped and appear nodding on unbranched inflorescences that rise well above the rosettes in late spring and summer.

How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Hercules'

Light: E. 'Hercules' 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. '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 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. '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, 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. 'Hercules' 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. '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 toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans, although it is not advisable to eat it.

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