Echevaria pulvinata

Description

Echeveria pulvinata – plush plant

Botanical name: Echeveria pulvinata
Common names: plush plant
Family: Crassulaceae
Plant type: Evergreen succulent (tender)
Habit: Rosette-forming
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 15–30cm tall × 20–30cm spread
Foliage: Velvety, softly hairy green leaves flushed red at the tips; evergreen
Flowers: Orange-red bell-shaped flowers on arching stems in late winter to spring
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to bright light
Soil: Very free-draining, gritty cactus/succulent compost; low fertility
Hardiness: RHS H1c–H2 (tender; keep above about 5°C); USDA zones 9–11
Exposure: Warm, sheltered; frost-free
Native range: Mexico
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people, cats and dogs

Echeveria pulvinata, the plush plant, is a charming succulent with thick rosettes of velvety, softly hairy green leaves flushed red at the tips, bearing orange flowers in season. It thrives in bright light with minimal watering and makes a tactile, characterful pot plant.

GardenAdvice notes

An evergreen, rosette-forming succulent from Mexico, Echeveria pulvinata stores water in its fleshy leaves and thrives on warmth, bright light and minimal watering. Unusually among echeverias it develops a short, branching shrubby stem, and its fine leaf hairs give it a soft, felted look. It is not frost-hardy, so in the UK it is best grown in pots that can be kept frost-free over winter.

Growing & planting

Grow in a very free-draining, gritty succulent or cactus compost in the brightest spot available, ideally full sun. Outdoors in summer it enjoys a warm, sheltered patio; from autumn, move it under cover to a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory or bright windowsill. Terracotta pots help keep the roots on the dry side.

Care & maintenance

Water thoroughly then let the compost dry out completely before watering again, watering sparingly in summer and barely at all through winter. Avoid wetting the rosette, which can cause rot. Feed occasionally in summer with a weak, high-potash feed. Remove any shrivelled lower leaves to keep the plant tidy and reduce hiding places for pests.

Propagation

• Offsets: Detach the small offsets that form around the base and pot them up individually.
• Leaf cuttings: Lay whole, healthy leaves on gritty compost; new plantlets form at the base.
• Stem cuttings: Root sections of stem in gritty compost, allowing cut surfaces to callus first.

Pests & diseases

Watch for mealybug in leaf axils and vine weevil grubs in the compost of container plants, along with aphids on flower stems. The commonest problem is rot from overwatering or water sitting in the rosette. Bright light, sharp drainage and careful watering keep plants healthy.

Uses in the garden

Perfect for bright windowsills, sunny conservatories and frost-free greenhouses, and for summer display in patio pots, shallow bowls and succulent arrangements.

Wildlife value

Under glass the flowers can attract the occasional pollinating insect, though as a tender plant its main value is ornamental.

Toxicity & safety

Echeverias are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Take care never to let water sit on pulvinata’s furry leaves — the fine hairs hold moisture and the rosette can rot, so water at the compost, not over the top. The red leaf tips deepen beautifully in bright, cool conditions, so a sunny but airy windowsill shows it at its best.

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