Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby'

Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby' is a branching Echeveria grown for its velvety green foliage and intense ruby-red leaf margins and tips. Unlike the compact, ground-hugging habit of many Echeveria, it develops elongated branching stems carrying rosettes of softly hairy leaves.

Velvety Foliage & Seasonal Colour

The fleshy, spoon-shaped to pointed leaves are covered with fine silvery-white hairs, giving the foliage its characteristic soft, plush appearance. The leaf margins and tips develop rich red to ruby colouring, which can become particularly intense during cooler weather and under good light. Colour naturally varies with season, light levels and growing conditions.

The fine hairs are a characteristic feature of Echeveria pulvinata and give the foliage a noticeably different texture from the smooth or heavily farinose leaves found on many other Echeveria.

An Established Cultivar of Echeveria pulvinata

'Ruby' is a long-established cultivar that was described and named by Dutch botanist B. K. Boom in 1957 from a plant already in cultivation. Its earlier origin was not documented. Compared with typical Echeveria pulvinata, 'Ruby' is characterised particularly by narrower, more pointed leaves and stronger ruby-red colouring along the leaf margins and tips.

The underlying species Echeveria pulvinata is native to Oaxaca in Mexico. The name pulvinata refers to the cushion-like character of its thick, softly hairy leaves.

Growth Habit & Shaping

As plants mature, the stems gradually lengthen and branch, eventually developing an arching to pendulous habit if allowed to grow unchecked. Longer stems can be pruned where required to maintain a shorter, more compact shape and encourage further branching.

The mature specimen shown in the first image contains multiple stems, which accounts for its particularly full appearance; it has not developed from a single young stem. A similarly dense specimen can be created by growing several plants or stems together in the same container. Growing in a relatively confined container and avoiding excessive feeding can also help maintain slower, stockier growth rather than encouraging long, soft stems.

From late winter into spring, mature plants can produce arching flower stems carrying yellow to orange, urn-shaped flowers.

Growing Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby'

Grow in a free-draining succulent mix with plenty of good light. Full sun to partial shade can be suitable depending on climate and acclimatisation, although some protection from intense Australian summer afternoon sun can help prevent scorching. Good light is important for maintaining compact growth and strong red colouring.

Water thoroughly when required and allow the growing medium to dry appropriately between waterings. Avoid keeping the roots continuously wet and provide good airflow around the softly hairy foliage, particularly during prolonged damp weather. Feed lightly during active growth; excessive fertiliser can encourage faster, softer growth and longer stems.

Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby' plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants to those shown in images 2 onward. Image one for display only. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.