Echeveria nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa'

Scientific Name

Echeveria nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa'

Synonym(s)

Echeveria 'Benitsukasa', Echeveria 'Maruba Benitsukasa'

Scientific Classification

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

Etymology

The cultivar name "Maruba Benitsukasa" is a transliteration of four Japanese characters: "maru," meaning "round," "ba," meaning "leaf, "beni," meaning "red" and "tsukasa," meaning "high class or valuable."

Origin

Echeveria nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa' is a Japanise cultivar of Echeveria nodulosa.

Description

Echeveria nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa' is an eye-catching succulent with branched stems bearing rosettes of colorful, occasionally carunculate leaves. The rosettes usually grow about 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. They are smaller and more compact than the rosettes of the species. The leaves are dull apple green and ornamented with purplish-red margins and markings. They become purplish-red in full sun. The colors of the leaves vary depending on the season and growing conditions.

During spring or summer, the rosette can produce erect, unbranched, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall stalks of bell-shaped, rose-red flowers with yellowish tips of petals.

How to Grow and Care for Echeveria nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa'

Light: Echeveria nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa' requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. In addition, if you plan to move 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 nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa' 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 nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa' 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 this plant 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 nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa' can be propagated by leaves or offsets, with the best time being spring.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.

Toxicity of Echeveria nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa'

Echeveria nodulosa 'Maruba Benitsukasa' has no toxic effects reported. However, although it is safe for growing around children and pets, it is not advisable to eat it.

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