Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:58 am
Echeveria pelusida, also known as echeveria Mexican hat succulent or echeveria pelusida mexican hat, are popular succulents that come in various colors, including pale green, pink, and even red or purple. The leaves of Echeveria have spoon-shaped tips which resemble old-fashioned men’s top hats; hence, their common name Mexican hat succulents.
Echeveria pelusida is an attractive and very popular houseplant. While it may look like an Agave at first glance, it’s actually from the Crassulaceae family, the same family as succulents like Jade plant and Aloe Vera.
Origin and distribution
Echeveria is a genus of flowering plants that contains approximately 70 species, many of which are commonly known as echeverias. Native to Mexico and Central America, these succulents have become widespread in cultivation and have naturalized in other regions.
All Echeveria succulents are native to Mexico, Guatemala, or Honduras. Echeverias come from dry areas where temperatures vary from mild to very hot. Some varieties thrive in full sun while others prefer partial shade.
The most popular varieties grow on cliffs, among rocks, and near streams at altitudes between 1,500 feet and 6,000 feet above sea level. They are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during their growing season (spring through fall).
If you’re looking for an easy way to brighten up your home or office without having to water it often, consider adding an echeveria plant!
Echeveria pelusida propagation
Echeveria pelusida is a drought-tolerant succulent that’s easy to propagate. The best time to propagate your plant is in spring or summer when they’re actively growing.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your Echeveria looking young, divide and replant. Remove some of its largest stems by digging around them with a shovel or spade and using it as leverage to pull it out of the ground.
Use a sharp knife to cut off each stem at its base, cutting just below where one set of leaves ends and another begins. Plant each cutting about 1 inch deep in soil mixed with peat moss or sand; water well after planting.
You can also propagate your Echeveria from leaf cuttings, simply remove leaves from the plant and place them on top of moist soil so their bases are buried under about an inch of soil.
Keep them moist until new growth appears, which usually takes about two weeks. Once new growth has appeared, move your echeveria into direct sunlight. Water regularly once new growth has appeared.
Echeveria pelusida care information
Echeveria succulents are slow-growing, long-lasting houseplants that look similar to other succulents. But Echeverias have a less spiky appearance than most and come in a wide range of colors. Because they’re so easy to grow, make great beginner plants.
Light requirement
In its native habitat, Echeveria Pelusida does best in areas with bright light but no direct sunlight. It can handle partial shade, although that may reduce flowering. That said, it’s possible to use artificial lighting to give them just enough light to survive and flower, as long as they don’t stay under those lights for too long.
This succulent is tough; it will do fine if you accidentally leave it under fluorescent bulbs all day or put it outside in the full sun.
Soil/potting mix
It’s best to put Echeveria pelusida in soil that is both loose and well-drained. You can purchase succulent-specific soil or make your own by mixing together regular potting mix, sand, perlite, and pumice.
Make sure there are no big pieces of gravel in your mixture as they could damage your plant’s roots. When you transplant your Echeveria into its new home, use a spoon to remove most of the existing soil so you don’t bring any unwanted pests along with it.
After you’ve transplanted your plant, water it thoroughly until water runs out of its bottom holes. This will help settle any leftover dust from its original container into its new home.
Watering
The Echeveria pelusida is a drought-tolerant succulent, and with proper care can thrive in low light and irregular watering. You should water it only when it’s almost completely dry. Make sure to let your soil dry out between waterings, especially in winter.
If you notice that your leaves are dropping off or curling up, they may be getting too much sun or not enough water. To prevent rot, avoid overwatering your plant.
Fertilizer
Echeveria pelusida does best in soil with a high-nitrogen content. If your soil is naturally lacking in nitrogen, you can add it through fertilizer. Echeveria plants are very hearty, so they can handle higher levels of nitrogen, but if you aren’t sure how much to use, check your local nursery or ask an expert at a garden center for advice on how much to add and when to apply it.
Temperature
Echeveria Pelusida requires a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive colder temperatures for short periods but will die if exposed to temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit for longer than 24 hours.
If you grow your Echeveria outside, it should be planted in an area with partial shade. Be sure that you don’t expose it to full sun or frost!
Humidity
A lot of succulents are a bit finicky when it comes to moisture and may drop their leaves if they get too much or too little water. The Echeveria species can handle lower humidity quite well, but don’t let them go completely dry either! You can increase airflow around your plant by slightly lifting its pot off of its surface.
This will encourage air circulation and prevent damping off as well as reduce evaporation from watering.
The ideal humidity range is 40-60% relative humidity. If you can’t measure it, just stick your finger in some soil and see how wet it feels. If it’s dry, give it a good watering; if it’s soggy, wait a bit longer before watering again. Remember that succulents are not like most houseplants, you don’t want to keep them wet all of the time!
Pruning
Echeveria pelusida plants are sensitive to frost, which makes them a perfect houseplant. But if you live in an area that experiences low temperatures, like much of North America and Europe, it’s important to prune your echeverias in autumn.
They don’t require much pruning, just remove dead or damaged leaves, but doing so will help your succulents survive winter. Make sure to wear gloves when handling your plants: some species have thorns on their leaves.
When you’re done pruning, mist your plant with water and place it back on its decorative dish. Then keep it out of direct sunlight for two weeks until new growth appears.
When to repot
If you find that your plant has outgrown its pot, or if it’s suffering from the root-bound syndrome, it’s time to repot. To ensure a successful repotting experience, be sure to choose a pot that’s at least 1-2 inches larger than your previous one; though of course, some plants may require pots even larger than that.
When choosing a new pot, make sure it has drainage holes and is made of material that will hold water well without leaking. A clay pot is often an excellent choice for succulents because they are porous and retain moisture well, just don’t use terra cotta as a long-term planter for succulents as they tend to dry out quickly.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Although echeverias can be overwintered in their pots, for those wishing to keep their plants potted, it’s best to place them in a cool but frost-free location over winter. It’s important not to expose your plants to freezing temperatures as they may be susceptible and die. If you do have a frosty period, many growers believe that it’s also best not to water your plants until growth commences again in early spring.
The same goes for repotting; if you are going to repot your plant, wait until after new growth has started before moving it into its new home. It is recommended that if you wish to move an echeveria during dormancy, ensure that both soil and roots are dry before doing so.
Echeveria pelusida flower & fragrance
Planting Echeveria Pelusida means adding both flowers and fragrance to your home. All members of the Echeveria genus are fragrant, releasing a sweet odor from their leaves and stems.
This attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that are vital to plant reproduction, but even if you don’t have other Echeverias growing in your garden, you can still enjoy these scents yourself by pruning a stem or two from an established plant.
Growth rate
Echeveria Pelusida is a slow-growing succulent that generally grows to only 2 or 3 inches in height. This is due to Echeveria Pelusida having just one growth point, but it can branch off after 5 years.
If you want faster growth, you can propagate your plant by separating off a single growing point and planting it in its own pot. Just make sure that your cutting has 1-2 leaves on it before you separate it from your mother plant.
Toxicity
Some echeverias are known to be more toxic than others. According to Urban Jungle, Echeveria pelusida is very toxic, while Echeveria derenbergii has a lower toxicity level.
A safe alternative is to choose an agave or a pachyphytum instead of an echeveria. While their toxins are less well studied, both can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and numbness in humans.
USDA hardiness zones
Echeveria pelusida thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. In colder climates, it’s recommended that you grow it as a houseplant. It can be grown outdoors year-round in areas with warm summers and mild winters.
If you want to plant your echeveria pelusida outside, make sure that it gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. If temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, bring your plant indoors until warmer weather returns.
Pests and diseases
This succulent is susceptible to several pests, including aphids, thrips, and spider mites. To get rid of pests such as these, use a strong spray of water to knock them off. If that doesn’t work, you can treat your plant with a commercial insecticide that targets pests on houseplants.
Be sure to follow package directions for proper application rates for your echeveria. The most common disease affecting Echeveria Mexican hat is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or grayish-white powdery coating on leaves and stems.
The best way to prevent powdery mildew is by keeping humidity levels in check by misting plants every day or two. You also should avoid overwatering plants, which promotes mold growth and increases humidity levels around your plant.
Conclusion
Echeveria pelusida is native to Mexico, but is now cultivated around the world. It’s a succulent plant, meaning it stores water in its leaves and stems, giving it a fleshy look, that produces gorgeous flowers that range from white to yellow. An Echeveria Mexican hat succulent is easy to take care of; simply make sure it has enough light and water.
