Synonyms:

There are not widely recognized synonyms, but this plant is often referred to as “Prolific Echeveria” due to its fast growth.

Habitat:

Echeveria prolifica is native to Mexico Central where the succulent grows in semi-desert regions and in extreme environments. In its habitat the plant thrives in rocky, poor in nitrogen and well-draining sandy soils. Diurnal temperatures can be very harsh, and during the night, they can freeze, requiring plants to adapt to survive the extreme temperature range and challenging conditions. Rainfall throughout the year is modest, and the succulent has developed survival strategies to absorb water like fleshy leaves and waxy layer. Echeverias growing in this region are resilient and can easily adapt to a wide range of conditions.

Description:

Echeveria prolifica is a small succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae botanical family. The plant forms numerous rosettes of leaves of 5 cm in diameter. The rosettes are dense and grow on short stalks that are erect when young but become creeping with age. Due to its growth habit, this succulent is ideal for hanging pots. The leaves are fleshy, hearth-shaped, slightly pointed at the tips, silver green in color. The leaves are covered with a smooth powdery coating of pruina, which helps prevent water loss and protects against sun scorch. The specific feature of this plant, which gives the name to the species, is the wide production of pups or offsets around the base, hence the name “prolifica”. The flowering period usually starts in late winter and lasts until early summer. During this time, dense cluster of flowers can be seen on tall stalks reaching up to 25 cm in height. The flowers are bell-shaped, vibrant yellow to pale orange and adorned with yellow stamens.

Cultivation:

This plant is easy to care for and offers a rewarding experience, making it great for beginners. The plant benefits from bright exposure so can be grown outdoors in direct sunlight. If grown indoor place it in a south-facing position. The plant is sensitive to temperatures below 5°C, so it should be moved indoors in colder weather, anyway the optimal range temperature is 15-29 °C. The soil should consist of a mix of pumice, clay, and loam to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot, to which the plant is susceptible. To facilitate excess water drainage, it is recommended to use a perforated pot. Watering plays a crucial role in the well-being of this species. During the vegetative period, it is recommended to water the plant every 10 days, ensuring that the soil is completely dry before the next watering. In winter, watering should be suspended to allow the plant to enter dormancy. Regarding fertilization, a moderate application of specific succulent fertilizers during the growing season is sufficient. Fertilization should be discontinued in winter. You should repot the plant every 2 years in a pot 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season using fresh potting soil. It is essential to be vigilant for aphids and mealybugs, as these pests can pose a threat to the plant’s health. Regular checks and prompt intervention are advisable to keep these potential issues under control.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by leaf cuttings, by offsets or by seed. When using leaf cuttings, make the cut during the spring and then let it to dry for a few days; after the cut surface has dried and a formed a callus, place the cutting in a mixture of sand, soil and pumice. To increase the success of propagation you can make two or more cuttings at the same time. For cuttings it is recommended to maintain temperatures around 20 °C. To propagate by offsets, you can twist the pups growing around the base of the plant. After the callous is formed, plant it in a well-draining soil. Propagating the plant by seed is very simple; it is enough to sow the seed in a sandy loam soil and keep it at a high level of humidity with a temperature of 14 C°. If you sow seeds collected from your own plants, clean the seeds thoroughly and soak them in water to remove any inhibitors.

Curiosity:

The name “Echeveria” comes from Atanasio Echeverria, naturalist, botanist and Mexican artist of the late 1700s who painted and cooperated on the discovery and cataloging Mexico’s natural flora. Its compact growth habit and adaptability make it a perfect choice for small containers, terrariums, and even living wreaths or succulent walls.

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