Echeveria harmsii aka Red Echeveria

Taxonomy

Echeveria harmsii, also known as Plush Plant or Red Echeveria, is a succulent evergreen subshrub native to Mexico. It grows up to 30cm in height and forms rosettes of narrow, dark green, and hairy leaves with red margins. This bushy succulent is cultivated for its vibrant red and yellow urn-shaped flowers that appear in racemes during the spring. Echeveria harmsii is a member of the Echeveria genus, which includes hundreds of plants with unique colors and patterns. These plants, named after the botanical illustrator Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy, are easy to grow as long as they receive ample sunlight. They can be propagated easily through stem or leaf cuttings, making it convenient for collectors. Overall, Echeveria harmsii is a visually striking succulent with plush, velvety leaves and vibrant flowers, adding beauty to any garden or collection.

Common names

Red Echeveria

How to care for Red Echeveria

Difficulty

Caring for Red Echeveria is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Red Echeveria does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Red Echeveria, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Red Echeveria requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Red Echeveria is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Red Echeveria to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Red Echeveria plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Red Echeveria grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Red Echeveria’s native range is Central and northern South America.


More info:
Wikipedia