The Echeveria gibbiflora is one of the succulents most similar to the 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 lover of succulents and you are always learning about 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?
How is the Echeveria gibbiflora
The Echeveria gibbiflora is also known by the names of donkey’s ear or cow’s tongue. It is native to Mexico and Guatemala and, in its natural habitat, it can grow up to 50 centimeters in height. Its rosettes are capable of being 20 centimeters in diameter, which can give you an idea of how big it can be.
The leaves are oval in shape, reddish or bluish in color (in fact you can find 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 when they grow.
In fact, 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 “humpbacked leaves”.
Continuing with them, you should know that they are quite meaty 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 capable of flowering. These flowers are tiny, but very pretty, dark pink in color but, in the center, yellow and red. For this, the echeveria develops a floral rod about 30-40 centimeters long and, from it, all the flowers will come out (in a cluster).
Echeveria gibbiflora care
Now that you have met Echeveria gibbiflora, you may want to have it at home. You should know that all succulents, including this one, is ideal for beginners, and quite resistant to anything you do to it. But it doesn’t hurt to know what your main care is.
We leave them below.
location and temperature
The first thing you should know is that Echeveria gibbiflora is a plant that does very well outdoors. In fact, indoors it can give you problems, for example, with humidity, watering or lack of light that will end up killing the plant. For this reason, we do not recommend having it inside the house but on a balcony, terrace or directly in the sun. Of course, make sure that it does not get the strongest sun because it could harm it (the leaves will dry out and the plant could burn).
In addition, 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 it lacks sun. If, in addition, the leaves separate a lot and the plant begins to grow crookedly, it is that only part of it gives light and seeks more hours.
For its part, if you see that it has burns, it is that it is giving it too much sun.
As for the temperature, ideally it should be between 18 and 27ºC. However, it can withstand temperatures of up to 5ºC and, at the other extreme, of more than 35ºC.
If the temperature drops much below those degrees for a long time (more than 1-2 days), it is better to protect it so that nothing happens to it.
Substratum
The Echeveria gibbiflora is not too picky about the soil to provide it. The truth is that it adapts well to any land.
But if you want it to be healthy and happy, we recommend that the substrate for succulents (or universal earth) add some perlite, volcanic stone, orchid substrate, etc. In this way you will have a very loose soil and ideal for the plant to develop.
Normally, every 3-5 years you should transplant it to give it the nutrients it needs. In any case, keep in mind that succulents are not plants that need fertilizer. nor do you treat the earth, so you will not have a problem in this regard.
Irrigation
When we talk about succulents, you know that 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 a lot confused in that, this plant will be perfect for you).
That said, you should know that the Echeveria gibbiflora is watered according to the season in which we are. For example, if it is spring and summer, it is usually watered every 10 days; instead, in autumn it is possible that it goes up to 15 days while in winter once a month will be enough.
Now this is on a general level. That is, you will have to see what the climate is where you live, if the winter is warm, cold… to adapt the irrigation.
What you should 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, first, it will take longer, and second, because it can absorb too much water. It is better to water from above and stop when you notice that the earth is already wet (water starts to come out from below). Of course, do not leave a plate under it.
Subscriber
As we have told you, Echeveria gibbiflora is not a plant that needs fertilizer. In any case, if you want to give it something, you can always use a home remedy such as ground eggshells, which, in addition to preventing fungus, will also help give it nutrients.
Plagues and diseases
Although succulents are not plants that give problems with pests and diseases, It does not mean that they are not at risk. In this case, aphids, nematodes and the cottony mealybug will be the most dangerous.
For its part, in terms of diseases, the most important is root rot.
Multiplication
Time to reproduce your Echeveria gibbiflora? Well, you know that you can do it in three different ways:
- by sheetstearing one from the base, leaving a few days for the wound to heal and planting in a pot until it creates a rosette.
- by seedsa process that not many do because it takes a lot of time.
- for children, that is, separating rosettes that come out of the mother plant, waiting for the cut to heal and planting in the ground.
Do you dare now to have an Echeveria gibbiflora at home?
