Echeveria derenbergii aka Painted Lady

Taxonomy

Echeveria derenbergii, commonly known as the Painted Lady, is an evergreen perennial belonging to the large Echeveria genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae. It can grow up to 10 cm (4”) tall and creates a dense rosette of fleshy leaves with bristle tips. During late winter, yellow flowers with red tips bloom. Native to Central America and aptly named after the botanical illustrator Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy, these succulents need plenty of sunlight to thrive, and can be easily propagated by stem or leaf cuttings.

Common names

Painted Lady

How to care for Painted Lady

Difficulty

Painted Lady is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Painted Lady does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Painted Lady is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Painted Lady requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Painted Lady will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Painted Lady to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Painted Lady is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

Painted Lady thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Painted Lady is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Painted Lady’s native range is Central and northern South America.


More info:
Wikipedia