Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby' (Chenille Plant)

Scientific Name

Common Names

Chenille Plant, Plush Plant

Synonyms

Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby Blush', Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby Slippers', Echeveria pulvinata 'Red Velvet'

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby' is a small, very attractive, shrubby, succulent plant up to 12 inches (15 cm) tall and with a spread of several feet. It has stems that are tipped with small rosettes, holding thick, spathulate, green leaves. The leaves are with all parts densely covered with silvery-white hairs. The margins and tips of leaves are intensely red. In late winter into spring (sometime later) appears the arching, up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall inflorescence, holding racemes of yellow and orange, bell-shaped flowers.

Photo via succulentsensations.blogspot.com

Hardiness

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

How to Grow and Care

Most of the 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.

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

Most Echeverias 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 potting soil for succulents and cover the dish until the new plant sprouts.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria