Echeveria pulvinata (Chenille Plant)

Scientific Name

Echeveria secunda Booth ex Lindl.

Common Names

Chenille Plant, Plush Plant

Synonyms

Cotyledon pulvinata

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Echeveria

Description

Echeveria pulvinata is an attractive shrubby succulent that grows up to 12 inches (15 cm) tall. Stems are topped with small rosettes of fleshy, spathulate, green leaves with all parts densely covered with silvery-white hairs. In late winter into spring (sometime later) appears arching, 1 foot (30 cm) tall inflorescences holding racemes of yellow and orange, bell-shaped flowers.

Echeveria pulvinata (Plush Plant) — *Photo via davesgarden.com*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Most common Echeveria species are not complicated succulents to grow, provided you follow a few basic rules. First, be careful never to let water sit in the rosette as it can cause rot or fungal diseases that will kill the plant. Additionally, remove dead leaves from the bottom of the plant as it grows. These dead leaves provide a haven for pests, and Echeverias are susceptible to mealy bugs. As with all succulents, careful watering habits and plenty of light will help ensure success.

Most Echeveria can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, although a few are better from seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate a leaf cutting, place the individual leaf in a succulent or cacti mix and cover the dish until the new plant sprouts.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. See more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.