Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:57 am
Echeveria nodulosa, also known as the painted echeveria succulent or painted beauty succulent, is an excellent plant for beginners to grow indoors or outdoors. Although it prefers partial shade and warm temperatures, this beauty is surprisingly hardy and can even withstand temperatures below freezing with the proper care!
In the world of succulents, Echeveria nodulosa gets far less attention than it deserves. This beautiful and drought-tolerant succulent often called the painted beauty succulent, is ideal for people who live in areas with cooler, drier climates.
With its distinctive form and stunning colors, this little gem won’t be ignored any longer!
The painted echeveria succulent resembles an agave or yucca, but it’s actually part of the Crassulaceae family, the same family that includes jade plants and sedum.
Echeveria nodulosa can grow anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in height and width, depending on its growing conditions, so let’s take a look at how you can grow your own beautiful painted echeveria succulent with minimal effort!
Origin and distribution
The painted beauty succulent is native to Mexico and can be found in the northern and southern regions of the country. It’s a relatively new arrival to the succulent world, having only been discovered in the wild in the early 2000s.
Painted beauty succulents are prized for their colorful leaves, which range in hue from green to pink to purple. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes that mimic other common species such as hen-and-chicks or aloe vera plants.
If you don’t want to grow your own, these plants are available at nurseries across the United States.
Echeveria nodulosa propagation
Echeveria nodulosa can be propagated by offsets, leaf cuttings, or stem cuttings. To propagate by offsets, carefully remove an offset from the mother plant and allow it to callous for a few days before potting it up.
For leaf cuttings, remove a healthy leaf from the plant and allow it to callous for a few days before potting it up. Stem cuttings can be taken from soft or woody stems.
Remove a 4-inch cutting and use a sharp knife or clippers to make a clean cut just below a node on the stem. Strip off the lower leaves leaving about two pairs of leaves at the top of the cutting.
Allow this cutting to callous for two weeks before planting in moist soil. When taking your new echeveria succulent home with you, remember that they need well-draining soil with good sunlight.
They prefer a pot with good drainage holes that are twice as deep as the height of the succulent’s root ball. Make sure not to overwater them and give them time to dry out between watering.
Echeveria nodulosa care information
These beautiful succulents are native to Mexico and can be found in a variety of colors. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home or office.
To care for your echeveria nodulosa, simply give it bright light and well-drained soil. Water when the soil is dry and be sure to fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Light requirement
Echeveria nodulosa needs bright light, but painted echeveria is no exception. This plant will do best if it’s placed in an area that receives full sun to partial sun. If you live in a hot climate, filtered light may be best to prevent the leaves from getting sunburned.
Painted echeveria can also tolerate some shade, but it will grow slower and the colors won’t be as vibrant.
Soil/potting mix
A well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal for echeveria nodulosa. You can make your own mix by combining one part perlite or coarse sand with two parts of potting soil. Or you can purchase a commercial cactus mix at your local garden center.
Be sure to water your echeveria nodulosa regularly, especially during the summer growing season. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Watering
These plants are drought-tolerant but will appreciate good watering when the soil has dried out. Be sure to not over-water, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out in between waterings, and always use well-draining soil. If your plant is looking wilted, it may be time for a drink!
The best way to tell if a succulent needs water is by sticking your finger into the dirt up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry, then you need to give it some more water.
Fertilizer
Echeveria nodulosa, or painted echeveria succulent, is a beautiful and unique plant that does best with a little fertilizer. A good fertilizer for this plant should have a high phosphorus content and be applied every two weeks during the growing season.
When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Too much fertilizer can burn the leaves of your echeveria nodulosa, so it’s important to err on the side of caution.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for painted echeveria is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the leaves will start to wilt and may fall off. If the temperature gets too high, the leaves will start to turn brown and dry out.
Painted echeveria can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much sun will cause the leaves to fade. It’s best to keep this succulent in a spot that gets bright light but isn’t in direct sunlight.
Humidity
This succulent can tolerate lower humidity levels than most, making it a good choice for those who do not have a lot of experience growing succulents.
However, it is important to make sure that the soil does not dry out completely, as this can cause the plant to go into shock. If you live in an area with high humidity, you will need to water this plant more often. The best way to tell if your echeveria nodulosa needs water is to check the leaves.
The ideal humidity range is 40-50% and temperatures should be between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also important to remember that these plants don’t like getting too much sun, so they should be placed in partial shade or filtered light only.
Pruning
When pruning your echeveria nodulosa, be sure to use clean, sharp shears or a knife. You’ll want to make cuts just above a node, or where the leaves attach to the stem.
Cut at an angle so that water will run off the stem and not sit on the cut. Try to avoid removing too much of the plant at once, as this can shock it. And finally, don’t forget to fertilize your plant after pruning! It’s good for them, and they will grow healthy and strong in no time.
Remember these tips when caring for your succulents, keep them out of direct sunlight; water when soil is dry; give them bright indirect light; repot when roots are coming out of the bottom of the pot or growing out the sides; never let it sit in standing water.
When to repot
Repotting is generally only necessary every 2-3 years, or when the plant has outgrown its pot. To check if your echeveria needs a new pot, gently push on the sides of the current pot, if it feels flimsy or as though it might topple over, it’s time for a bigger home.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, and be sure to use well-draining succulent soil. Once you’ve repotted your succulent, take a few minutes to wash off any loose dirt from the roots before moving it back into place. The more care you put into taking care of your plants, the longer they’ll live!
Dormancy/Winter rest
Many succulents, including echeveria, enter a state of dormancy during the winter months. This is a time of rest for the plant when growth slows down and the plant conserves its energy.
Although echeveria may not need as much water during dormancy, it’s important to not let the plant completely dry out.
Allow the soil to dry out between watering, and give the plant less light than usual. When new growth starts in spring, gradually increase watering and exposure to sunlight until you’re back at your normal routine.
Echeveria nodulosa flower & fragrance
The flowers of the painted echeveria are a deep pink color with yellow centers. They are borne on long, slender stems and have a sweet fragrance. The plant blooms in the spring and summer.
Growth rate
Echeveria nodulosa is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 12 inches in height. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are green with red or purple spots. The plant produces pink or white flowers in the spring and summer. Echeveria nodulosa is native to Mexico and can be found in rocky, desert habitats.
Toxicity
Echeveria nodulosa is considered non-toxic to humans and animals. However, some people may experience skin irritation after handling them. If you have any concerns, it is best to wash your hands after coming into contact with the plant.
Ingesting large quantities of any plant can cause stomach upset, so it is best to err on the side of caution and keep plants out of reach of small children and pets.
USDA hardiness zones
Echeveria nodulosa thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. The plant needs well-drained soil and ample water, which is why it is often grown as a houseplant.
Pests and diseases
Echeveria nodulosa is a succulent that is native to Mexico. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in low water conditions. However, it is susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects.
If these pests are not controlled, they can cause the plant to wilt and die. It is important to keep an eye out for signs of infestation such as brown or yellowish honeydew on the leaves.
A well-known disease of this plant is called a witches’ broom where the flowers stop growing, causing long branch-like structures with short side branches of small leaves at their tips.
