Echeveria pulvinata 'frosty' crested

Botanical Name — Echeveria pulvinata 'frosty' crested
Common Name — Crested Firecracker Plant
Plant Family — Crassulaceae

Background

Echeveria pulvinata frosty cristata is a nursery cultivar with wild ancestors in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. Temperamental, this plant is a great addition to the collection for advanced plant owners and/or those who have outdoor spaces to place the plant during summer months.

Growth Requirements

Sun

• Echeveria pulvinata plants do best in bright sunny locations, at least 4 hours a day. Can do well in part shade. Avoid intense afternoon sun from a south facing window. Leaf tips can burn from too much direct sun in the summer months.

Temperature/ Humidity

• These plants prefer warm temperatures and low humidity. They will thrive in temperatures above 70 ºF. Minimum winter temperature at 40 ºF.

Water

• It needs moderate watering in autumn and spring. In summer, Echeveria pulvinata should be watered thoroughly and allowed to dry before watering again. In winter give only occasional watering, enough so the plant does not shrivel.

Soil/Roots

• These plants prefer a sandy, sharply draining mix. Cacti or succulent potting mix is great. You can amend a regular potting soil with sand or pumice up to 50% to improve grittiness and drainage.
• The roots are fibrous and shallow.

Flowering

• Dramatic flower stalks may form in summer in optimal conditions, blossoming bright orange and red. However, the crested form rarely flowers.

Fertilization

• Fertilize once a month during the spring and summer with an organic cactus/succulent fertilizer.

Propagation

• Echeveria pulvinata can be propagated by a single leaf or offshoots. Place a healthy leaf on top of the soil and watch it grow roots. Separate offshoots from the base with scissors or a clean knife.

Health

Diseases

• Root rot can be a concern and is triggered by overwatering. Always err on the side of underwatering.
• Though this plant is low maintenance, it is always wise to keep an eye out for any bugs like mealy bugs and scale. To help prevent any issues, prune away unhealthy leaves or stems.

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

• Repot Echeveria pulvinata every two to three years to refresh the soil. Be careful when repotting because these plants can easily snap.

Toxicity

• Echeveria pulvinata are not known to be poisonous to humans or pets, but they should not be ingested.