Echeveria Pulv-Oliver: Characteristics and Care
Are you ready to meet the succulent sensation that’s taking the plant world by storm? Introducing Echeveria Pulv-Oliver – the ultra-fuzzy, ruby-red beauty that will make your succulent collection the envy of all your friends. With its velvety texture and vibrant coloring, this trendy plant is quickly becoming an Instagram star. But don’t just admire it from afar – find out why you need to get your hands on one right now!
Contents
About Echeveria Pulv-Oliver
Echeveria Pulv-Oliver is a hybrid succulent that results from crossing Echeveria pulvinata and Echeveria harmsii. It forms gorgeous rosettes of plump, pointed leaves covered in a downy red fuzz. Mature plants can reach up to 12 inches wide, creating a striking focal point in any indoor or outdoor succulent garden. While the fuzziness is ultra-touchable, the real showstopper is the deep ruby color that develops when the plant receives plenty of sunlight.
This low-maintenance plant is easy to care for, making it perfect for succulent newbies and green thumbs alike. Just provide it with the right conditions, and Echeveria Pulv-Oliver will reward you with season after season of furry red eye candy.
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Echeveria Pulv-Oliver Care Guide
Light Requirements
Like most succulents, Echeveria Pulv-Oliver thrives in bright, direct light. Aim to give it at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and coloring. A sunny window or patio works great. If you don’t get enough natural light indoors, use a grow light positioned about 6 inches from the plant for 12-14 hours per day.
Too much harsh midday sunlight can lead to sunburn, so go easy on the light at first and gradually introduce more sun exposure. On the flip side, inadequate light will cause the plant to stretch out and lose its vibrant red tones.
Watering
Like most succulents, Echeveria Pulv-Oliver stores water in its plump leaves and doesn’t need frequent watering. The best approach is to thoroughly soak the soil and then allow it to fully dry out before watering again. This may mean watering every 1-2 weeks in the summer and only once a month or less in the winter when the plant is dormant.
The number one killer of Echeverias is excessive moisture, so err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. When you do water, avoid getting the fuzzy rosette wet as this can lead to rot or fungal issues. Always water the soil directly instead. Signs of improper watering include wrinkling, shriveling, or dropping leaves. With the right infrequent but deep watering schedule, your Pulv-Oliver will thrive.
Soil Needs
The key to a happy, healthy Echeveria is fast-draining soil specifically formulated for succulents and cacti. Look for a grittygrowth medium made from ingredients like perlite, pumice or coarse sand to prevent sogginess. Your local garden center should carry pre-mixed “succulent and cactus” soil blends that are perfect.
Fertilizing
While not absolutely necessary, an occasional dose of diluted succulent fertilizer during the spring and summer growing seasons can give Echeveria Pulv-Oliver an extra burst of vibrant color and vigor. Look for a balanced fertilizer labeled for use on succulents and cacti, and only apply at 1/4 the recommended strength to avoid burning the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
As a native of hot, arid regions, Echeveria excels in warm temperatures between 65-80°F during spring and summer. A few degrees cooler in the 60s is ideal for winter dormancy. Avoid drafts and temperatures below 50°F.
Moderate humidity around 40-50% is perfect. Higher humidity encourages rot and pest issues, while extremely dry air can cause shriveling. Use a pebble tray or mist the plant occasionally if your indoor air is very dry.
Pests and Problems
The biggest threat to fuzzy Echeverias is rot and fungal infections caused by overwatering or high humidity. Always ensure the soil fully dries between waterings. Mealybugs, scale and spider mites are other common pests attracted to this succulent – treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray if insects appear.
Pruning
As Echeveria Pulv-Oliver matures, it will naturally shed older, innermost leaves to make room for fresh growth. No pruning is required other than removing any fallen leaves from the soil surface. The plant will eventually send out offsets or “chicks” around the base that can be separated and propagated if desired.
Potting and Repotting
Plant Echeveria in a well-draining container with plenty of drainage holes. Terra cotta and unglazed ceramic pots are great options since the clay helps prevent soil compaction. Go up just 2-3 inches in pot size when repotting to avoid excess soil retaining too much moisture. The best time to repot is in early spring as new growth emerges.
Echeveria Pulv-Oliver Propagation
Echeveria Pulv-Oliver can be easily propagated from leaves, stem cuttings, or seeds to multiply your collection of these fuzzy ruby succulent stars. Each method is straightforward and rewarding.
Leaf Propagation:
- Gently twist and pull a mature leaf from the mother plant’s rosette
- Allow the leaf to callous over for 3-5 days until the end dries out
- Lay the calloused leaf on top of well-draining cactus/succulent soil
- Lightly cover just the tip end of the leaf with soil
- In a few weeks, tiny new rosettes will sprout from the leaf’s base
- Once rosettes have developed roots, they can be replanted individually
Stem Cutting Propagation:
- Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners to take a stem cutting 2-3 inches long
- Allow the cut end to callous over for 3-5 days
- Plant the calloused cutting vertically with just the bottom inch buried in soil
- Within 4-6 weeks, roots and a new rosette will form from the stem
- Once rooted, the new offshoot can be replanted on its own
Seed Propagation:
- Echeveria seeds are very tiny, like dust specks
- Use a well-draining seed starting mix
- Surface sow the seeds by sprinkling them on top of the pre-moistened soil
- Cover the seeds with just a thin layer of soil or vermiculite
- Keep the soil moderately moist until germination in 2-4 weeks
- Once seedlings develop their second set of true leaves, transplant individually
No matter which propagation method you choose, be sure to use a fast-draining soil mix and avoid overwatering the new starts. With a little patience, you’ll soon have a whole family of Pulv-Oliver fuzzballs!
