Echeveria gibbiflora is one of the most similar succulents to Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg (It is not for less, if it is a parental species of this one). But what else do you know about this plant?
If you are a succulent lover and you are still getting to know the different echeverias that exist on the planet, learn about the most important characteristics of this one as well as its care. Shall we start?
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How is the Echeveria gibbiflora
Echeveria gibbiflora is also known as donkey’s ear or cow’s tongue. It is native to Mexico and Guatemala, and in its natural habitat it can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. Its rosettes can reach 20 centimeters in diameter, which can give you an idea of its size.
The leaves are oval in shape, reddish or bluish in color (in fact there are two types, one with green leaves that turn red in the sun, and another with silver leaves that turn blue in the sun). These tend to bend as they grow.
Actually, the reason Echeveria gibbiflora gets its name is precisely because of what the leaves do. And it is that gibbiflora, which comes from Latin, means “bumpy leaves”.
Continuing with them, you should know that they are quite fleshy because water is stored in them.
It is very fast growing and one of the largest echeverias in the plant kingdom.
Finally, during the summer, as well as in the fall, it is able to flower. These flowers are tiny, but very pretty, dark pink in color but, in the center, yellow and red. For this, the echeveria grows a flower stalk about 30-40 centimeters long, and from it all the flowers will come out (in clusters).
Echeveria gibbiflora care
Now that you’ve met Echeveria gibbiflora, you might want to have it at home. You should know that all succulents, including this one, are great for beginners and quite resilient to whatever you throw at them. But it doesn’t hurt to know what your primary care is.
We leave them below.
location and temperature
The first thing you need to know is that Echeveria gibbiflora is a plant that grows very well outdoors. Indeed, indoors it can cause you problems, for example humidity, watering or lack of light which will eventually kill the plant. For this reason we do not recommend having it inside the house but on a balcony, terrace or in direct sunlight. Of course, make sure it doesn’t get the strongest sun as this could harm it (the leaves will dry out and the plant can burn).
Moreover, it is quite easy to know if it lacks sun or not. For example, if the leaves are greener and less reddish, it means that there is a lack of sunlight. If, in addition, the leaves separate a lot and the plant begins to grow crooked, it is because only part of it gives light and requires more hours.
On his side, if you see that he has burns, it is that he gives him too much sun.
As for the temperature, ideally it should be between 18 and 27°C. However, it can withstand temperatures up to 5 ºC and, at the other extreme, above 35 ºC.
If the temperature drops well below these degrees for a long time (more than 1-2 days), it is better to protect it so that nothing happens to it.
Substrate
The Echeveria gibbiflora is not too picky about the soil to provide it. The truth is that it adapts well to any terrain.
But if you want it to be healthy and happy, we recommend that the succulent plant substrate (or universal soil) add perlite, lava rock, orchid substrate, etc. In this way, you will have a very loose and ideal soil for the development of the plant.
Normally every 3 to 5 years you need to transplant it to give it the nutrients it needs. In any case, keep in mind that succulents are not plants that need fertilizer. you are also not dealing with the land, so you will not have a problem in this regard.
Irrigation
When we talk about succulents, you know that the watering is rather low. And it is not for less, they are not plants that need a lot of water (with which, if you tend to get lost in it a lot, this plant will be perfect for you).
That said, you should know that the Echeveria gibbiflora is watered according to the season in which you are. For example, if it is spring and summer, it is usually watered every 10 days; in exchange, in autumn it is possible that it goes up to 15 days while in winter once a month will suffice.
Now, that’s on a general level. That is to say, it will be necessary to see what the climate is where you live, if the winter is hot, cold… to adapt the irrigation.
What you have to keep in mind is that you should not water until you really see that the substrate is completely dry. Also, we do not recommend that you put a plate on it and water it from below, because, firstly, it will take longer, and secondly, because it can absorb too much water. It is better to water from above and stop when you see that the soil is already wet (water begins to come out from below). Of course, don’t leave a plate underneath.
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As we told you, Echeveria gibbiflora is not a plant that needs fertilizer. In any case, if you want to give him something, you can always use a home remedy like ground eggshells, which, in addition to preventing fungus, will also help provide him with nutrients.
Plagues and diseases
Although succulents are not plants that cause pest and disease problems, This does not mean that they are not at risk. In this case, aphids, nematodes and mealybug will be the most dangerous.
For its part, in terms of diseases, the most important is root rot.
Multiplication
Time to breed your Echeveria gibbiflora? Well, you know you can do it in three different ways:
- per sheetstearing one from the base, allowing the wound a few days to heal, and planting it in a pot until it forms a rosette.
- by seedsa little-used process because it takes a lot of time.
- for kids, that is, separate the rosettes that come out of the parent plant, wait for the cutting to heal, and plant in the ground.
Do you now dare to have an Echeveria gibbiflora in your home?