If you are looking for an eye-catching and low-maintenance succulent to add to your collection, consider Echeveria 'Mebina'.
Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Mebina'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The hybrid name "mebina" is the Japanese word for Empress doll (in display with Emperor doll).
Origin
Echeveria 'Mebina' is an old Japanese hybrid. The parentage is unknown.
Description
Echeveria 'Mebina' is a beautiful succulent that forms rosettes of bluish-green leaves with glowing red tips. It has a compact growth, and its rosettes can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. As the plant grows, the rosettes offset freely, forming a dense clump. The plant looks most appealing in summer when the leaves turn yellowish and have striking red margins.
During the springtime, Echeveria 'Mebina' produces yellow, bell-shaped flowers on leafy, arching stalks.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Mebina'
Light: Echeveria 'Mebina' requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. In addition, if you are moving the plant outside in spring, do it gradually and avoid exposure to intense afternoon sun.
Soil: Having soil that drains quickly is most important for growing a healthy succulent. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial soil for succulents will work fine.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but Echeveria 'Mebina' is a tender succulent and must be brought indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: During the growing season, the "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for this plant. Water deeply and then let the soil completely dry out 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, do not forget to empty the excess water.
Fertilizing: Although it can grow well without fertilizer, Echeveria 'Mebina' may benefit from extra nutrients. Feed only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: If growing it in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer, but ensure the soil is dry before you start. Also, always use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Echeveria 'Mebina' can be propagated in the spring by leaves or offsets.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Mebina'
Echeveria 'Mebina' has no reported toxic effects and is safe for growing around children and pets.
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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