Pulido’s Echeveria, or Echeveria pulidonis, is a plant species in the Echeveria genus. Its leaves have distinct red edges that intensify in bright light. It is cultivated for rock gardens or as a potted plant. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify it and care for it, including light, temperature, substrate and growing media, watering, pruning, rest period, and propagation.
Identifying Echeveria Pulidonis
Echeveria pulidonis is indigenous to Mexico. Hidalgo was originally thought to be the source, but more recently, Puebla to the south. This slow-growing succulent that as stemless rosettes up to 5 inches wide of fleshy, in-curved, red-edged, pale bluish-green leaves that are flat to slightly concave on the upper surface and rounded below with a distinct red tip. In spring the bright yellow flowers tip multiple unbranched reddish stems that bend over under the flowers’ weight. The flowers are pure yellow and offset freely.
Care and culture
Only use this information as a guide and adapt it to suit you. You’ll need to consider your physical location, where you grow your plants, the amount of time you can devote to their care, and many other factors. Then you can decide which culture method is best for you and your plants.
Light
Echeveria pulidonis needs full or partial sun. It prefers southern, eastern, or western exposure. When it doesn’t get enough light, it starts growing tall, becomes stretched, and loses its color, the leaves are sparse around a long, thin stem. This means it’s reaching for the light. On a windowsill, turn the plant occasionally to ensure all sides get enough sun.
Keep it bright in summer, but avoid the hot western sun, which can fry it. Also, dramatic changes in sunlight can stress them. Move outdoor succulents indoors gradually. Although excessive water kills it, it also likes lots of light, but not scorching direct sun, like behind a window. When the foliage gets sunburned, it is best to behead it and grow a new one, removing the damaged leaves.
Temperature
Pulido’s echeveria is great for rock gardens. However, if kept outside, they need a temperate climate year-round. Like other succulents, they are very tender to sudden drops in temperature. In areas with severe winters, you can still enjoy these succulents by growing them in interior pots or moving them indoors for the freezing winters. Growing it indoors means it won’t get as much sunlight as it does outside. In spring and summer, succulents need temperatures of 65- to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, a few degrees lower is ideal. You can grow them outside if your summers are warm.
Substrate and Growing Media
Echeveria pulidonis needs a porous, well-draining medium to protect its roots. Cactus potting mixes work well; you can find these in most nurseries. If you are growing an echeveria in a pot or container, choose the right size. The pot should be just larger than the root ball. This prevents soil from becoming too damp. The bottom of the pot should have drainage holes.
You can repot your plant after purchasing it if it wasn’t flowering. A spring repotting with soil mix amended with sand will extend your plant’s lifespan. When repotting, make sure the soil is completely dry before removing it from the container. Remove excess soil from the roots before planting.
Watering – Watering is essential to proper care. Like most succulents, they don’t need much water. During blooming, water once to twice a week when the soil has dried well. Other than the blooming season, one to two waterings every two weeks. Watering once a month in winter is enough. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Under cool temperatures, keep both soil and foliage dry. These dryland plants can tolerate wide swings in humidity with few problems.
You should water the plant occasionally but pour a big amount. Wet the soil completely and let it drain all the water inside. They don’t like wet soil. Repeat this watering process if needed. After you water your plant, let it use all the water inside it. If the leaves are falling off, turning yellow, or turning brown, it might be a problem with watering. Watering too much or too little can harm your plant.
Pruning
Pruning is only necessary on old plants. A plant can be pruned back when its height is excessive, the tops can be cut out, and side branches will grow, eventually forming a full plant. Remove wilted flowers regularly (deadheading). This step isn’t required but stimulates the plant to produce new flowers.
Rest Period
Echeveria pulidonis grows mainly in the spring and summer, going dormant in the autumn and winter. April and May are usually problematic when they transition to the growing period. Older leaves shrivel, resorb, and die back for winter. In autumn, overwatered plants don’t shrivel but die and rot. It spreads to other leaves and eventually to the stem.
Propagation
Pulido’s echeveria produces suckers at the base of stems, which can be replanted easily. You can also propagate the plants with leaf cuttings. Let callus form for a few days until the wound has closed, then place on soil or in water and wait for roots to develop. Usually, roots grow first to seek out water, then leaves. It can take anywhere from a week to a few months to propagate succulents, and they will glean nourishment and moisture from their mother leaf, which will shrivel over time. You can gently remove the original leaf after it has dried and become crispy, but only if it comes off easily, otherwise you risk damaging the baby plant.
That’s what you need to know about the Echeveria pulidonis. This succulent has a unique look and can add an interesting touch to your garden. If you choose to use it, make sure you follow the suggestions given here so it stays healthy for many years.