Scientific Name
Echeveria pulvinata Rose
Common Name(s)
Chenille Plant, Plush Plant
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon pulvinata, Echeveria pulvinata var. pulvinata
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
This species is native to Mexico (Oaxaca).
Description
Echeveria pulvinata is an attractive shrubby succulent with branches topped with rosettes of green spathulate leaves covered with a dense white velvety pubescence. It grows up to 4 inches (12 cm) tall. Young branches and sepals are also with a covering of velvet. The fleshy leaves are obovate, tapering to a narrow base, and tipped with a short, abrupt point. They are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) thick. Flowers are urn-shaped, sharply 5-angled, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, yellow and orange, and appear in leafy racemes in spring (sometime later).
Etymology
The specific epithet "pulvinata (pul-vin-AH-tuh)" is the feminine form of the Latin adjective "pulvinatus," meaning "cushion-shaped," and refers to the cushion-like leaves.
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. Finally, 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, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Varieties, Cultivars, and Hybrids
- Echeveria pulvinata var. frigida
- Echeveria pulvinata 'Devotion'
- Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby'
- Echeveria 'Giant Mexican Firecracker'
- Echeveria 'Graessneri'
- Echeveria 'Kircheriana'
- Echeveria 'Pulvicox'
- Echeveria 'Pulv-Oliver'
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
