Echeveria harmsii is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It has a wide distribution, including Mexico and Central America, where it is one of the most common echeverias found. The echeveria harmsii plant can be found in the deciduous forest as well as on rocky slopes at altitudes from 1500-2500 meters above sea level.
The plant may grow up to 2 feet tall with an oval-shaped rosette that reaches about 3 inches long. They have thick leaves that are more or less triangular in shape and range from green to blue-green depending on location and light exposure.”
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Echeveria harmsii is a succulent that is native to the Canary Islands. The echeveria harmsii are known for their unique flower color, which ranges from white to pink. They are also known for their ability to withstand periods of drought and frost. This article will tell you more about echeveria harmsii so that you can decide if this plant would be suitable for your home or garden!
Origin and description
Echeveria harmsii is a species of flowering plant in the genus Echeveria belonging to the family Crassulaceae. The Latin epithet “harmsii” honors German botanist and horticulturist Wilhelm Hohorst.
This semi-succulent perennial plant was first described by John Forbes Royle in 1836.
They are a low-growing perennial succulent plant with small rosettes of fleshy leaves. The plants are solitary or slowly proliferous, usually reaching only about 12 cm in diameter and height. They can be distinguished from other species by its yellow flowers that appear during the summer months (May to August in their native habitat).
Echeveria harmsii, like most other species of the genus Echeveria, is characterized by a rosette growth form and leaves that are somewhat fleshy. The flowers appear during summer (May-August), which differentiates them from all except one similar species: Echeveria purpusorum.
Echeveria harmsii is native to Mexico. It was first discovered in the state of Veracruz, growing on limestone rocks at an elevation of about 800m (2600 ft).
Echeveria harmsii propagation
Echeveria harmsii is easy to propagate. You can take cuttings in the spring, summer, or fall; let them callous over for a few days and plant them in potting soil. They will root quickly when they are given enough warmth (70 degrees Fahrenheit), moisture, and direct sunlight.
The healthy offsets can be divided and re-planted in little pots or they can be grown from seed. Seeds will take several years to reach the flowering stage, so the division of plants is recommended for instant gratification! The propagation should start in late winter and early spring, when the plants are dormant.
Echeveria harmsii care
Echeveria harmsii is a succulent, meaning it requires very little water. It prefers bright light and does best in an area of your home that receives indirect sunlight. Keep the soil slightly dry to wet (but not soggy) between watering by using good drainage methods and mixing sand into potting mix for better draining properties.
Echeveria harmsii needs bright light and tolerates heat well if given enough water during the summer months. Water more frequently during summer months and less so in winter, keeping it on the dry side during dormancy to prevent rot.
Light requirements
Echeveria harmsii needs bright light. It can be grown under sunny windowsills indoors, but should be moved to full sun after the first leaves appear. The plant withstands low-light locations as well, however, it will leave behind thin and spindly growth.
Soil/potting mix
Echeveria harmsii is not picky about soil, but the planting mix should drain well. It can be grown in cactus or succulent potting mixes that incorporate perlite to help improve drainage and aeration.
Like most echeverias, this plant tolerates heat well if given enough water during the summer months.
Watering
Water echeveria harmsii when the soil dries out. Water more frequently during summer months and less so in winter, keeping it on the dry side during dormancy to prevent rot.
Echeveria harmsii is a slow grower that requires patience for optimum results; however, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful rosettes of pinkish-cream flowers.
Fertilizer
Fertilize echeveria harmsii weekly during the summer months with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer that includes micronutrients. Reduce feeding to biweekly in winter and discontinue when the plant is beginning to grow again.
Echeveria harmsii need not be divided or repotted, but do so if it outgrows its pot.
Echeveria harmsii is a slow grower that requires patience for optimum results; however, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful rosettes of pinkish-cream flowers.
Temperature
The plant withstands low-light locations, however, it will leave behind thin and spindly growth. This plant tolerates heat well if given enough water during the summer months.
An ideal temperature is between 50°F and 70°F.
Humidity
Once established, echeveria harmsii does well with a little less water in the winter. This is when most people notice their plant dropping leaves and going dormant.
As long as there isn’t prolonged drought, this species is very drought tolerant once it matures further.
Echeverias are also known for tolerating humidity, which is beneficial for the coastal California climate.
An ideal humidity range is between 30 – 40%.
Pruning
If your echeveria is getting too large, the leaves can be removed to encourage a bushier appearance.
To do this, simply remove each leaf from the stem at its base and lay each one on top of soil or sand until they heal over completely. This takes about three weeks depending upon temperature. Echeverias with thicker leaves will take longer to heal than those with thinner ones.
Please note that when you prune your plant, it may lose some of the lower leaves in the process. This is normal and does not mean there is anything wrong with the plant itself!
If this happens, simply remove any dead or dying growth at its base during the next regular watering.
An ideal time to prune is when your plant enters its dormant phase.
When to repot
It’s always a good idea to repot your echeveria when it becomes root bound or begins growing very slowly.
In fact, the only time you should really consider repotting this plant is if there are many roots coming out of the drainage holes in its container. Otherwise, all that needs to be done is a thorough watering every two weeks.
An ideal time to repot is when the plant has gone dormant, in the fall or wintertime.
Dormancy
As mentioned before, echeverias go into a dormant phase in the colder months of winter and spring.
During this time, your plant will lose most of its leaves and stop growing entirely until warmer temperatures return for good. Overwatering at this point can cause rot or fungus to set up shop so it’s best to water sparingly until springtime.
An ideal time for dormancy is in the winter and early spring (November to April).
Echeveria harmsii flowers & fragrance
Echeverias come in a variety of colors and shapes, but some are more fragrant than others.
Some varieties may have flowers on them while others won’t. Those that do produce flowers usually only bloom during the springtime when days become longer and warmer once again.
The plant blooms between winter (December) and springtime (March).
Growth rate
Echeveria harmsii is a slow-growing, semi-woody plant.
This means it will grow less quickly than annual plants and more slowly than perennials. It can take between five and fifteen years to reach its full size of four inches or more!
The plant grows smaller throughout the winter months (December) until the growth cycle is complete (March).
A faster-growing echeveria would be Echeveria Agavoides , also known as the “Mexican Snowball” due to its round, snowball-like appearance and cold tolerance. This plant can grow between four inches and eight inches per year!
Toxicity
Echeveria harmsii is non-toxic to pets and humans, but it isn’t recommended for use in homes with rabbits due to their sensitivity towards certain types of plants.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Echeveria harmsii is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11.
The plant can be grown outside year-round between zone 9 and 10, but it’s best to overwinter the plant indoors or protect its roots with mulch if you live below zone 8.
Pests and diseases
Echeveria harmsii is resistant to most common pests and diseases.
The plant mostly faces infestations of mealybugs, but the sticky residue they leave behind can cause damage to leaves and flowers if not treated quickly!
An alternative treatment for this pest includes using a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol (70% or higher) to gently wipe the leaves.
Conclusion
Echeveria harmsii is a perennial succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves and an interesting shape.
It can be found in various colors ranging from blue-gray to pink! It has beautiful flowers that bloom during the springtime when days are longer and warmer. The plant grows slowly but steadily throughout its life cycle taking anywhere from five to fifteen years before it reaches full size. It’s a great plant for beginners and easy to care for, making it an ideal houseplant during the colder months of winter!
