Echeveria Pulvinata (Chenille Plant)

Description

Echeveria pulvinata (also known as Chenille plant, Plush Plant or Red velvet Echeveria, named because the leaf tips turn reddish in strong sun), is a Crassulaceae family succulent found in the hillsides of Oaxaca, Mexico. The common name, Chenille plant refers to the tiny hairs on the leaf and stems that give it a plush feel and its name ‘pulvinata‘ derived from a Latin word for cushion-shape comes from the leaves, which plump and nestle closely around the plant’s core, much like an array of soft cushions.

A beginner-friendly plant that only requires a little bit once it gets going; these need plenty of sun, a well-draining pot, and you only water them once the soil feels completely dry, meaning that it is pretty hardy should you happen to skip a week of watering. Place them in a bright window sill, covered balcony, or a well-illuminated desk – Echeveria pulvinata grows easily in all of those spots. Outdoor plants may produce small, orange-red, bell-shaped flowers at the end of winter, into spring that attract pollinating bugs when they grow up through flower stalks. The plant’s habit when indoors remains tight, rosette-shape, while its leaf edges turn reddish, and more copper with sufficient light.

Echeveria Pulvinata size and texture are good reasons. This is another one you’d keep on a desk, a kitchen windowsill, or give to a new friend in a “here are some succulents” small plant kit. Since it’s one of ASPCA’s plants that isn’t toxic to pets - “dogs and cats, horses, and animals as well” - for those with non-chomping companions, it’s relatively suitable.

Key features

• Rosette of small, thin, spoon shaped fleshy leaves 
• Leaves have a soft, silvery white down covering and give the plant a fuzzy appearance  
• Leaf edges turn a coppery colour in direct sun or cool evenings  
• A short stemmed, clump forming succulent that can hold its rosetted shape for two years before forming offsets  
• Can be grown as a small tree when offset and allowed to spread 
• Bright orange-red, bell shaped flowers are produced on long stems from late winter to spring 
• Relatively drought resistant once established • great for well lit indoors and sheltered, warm verandahs or patio areas. 
• Not toxic to cats, dogs, and horses according to the ASPCA Plant Toxicology Database

Care at a glance

Product specifications

What's in the box

• 1 x Live Echeveria pulvinata (Chenille Plant)
• 1 × Nursery pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining succulent potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important notes

• Since these are live plants, expect slight variation in leaf color, amount of fuzz and rosette size. 
• The red in the tips will depend on how much sun you put them in, otherwise, it may be an overall more green looking plant.
• You might notice a couple of leaves may fall off or have minor damage - this is quite common following travel and acclimatisation. 
• If you keep the plant out of the direct afternoon sun for a few days and give it water regularly as normal, you will soon see new growth appear.
• Just be sure not to water for a couple of days after you unpackage it. And do not over-water in the first weeks as the roots settle in.
• Not frost tolerant - this plant should be brought indoors or sited in a wind sheltered location whenever the night temperature is below 10C.

Frequently asked questions

Q: My chenille plant’s leaves aren’t turning red on the ends-what’s wrong? 

A: That pretty red color on Echeveria pulvinata is really prompted by the light, but to a lesser extent by the temperature. If your plant is in a darker corner or out of the sun, it will most often be green,” she says. “Put it in a bright window, and if it gets a few hours of sun in the morning for a couple of weeks, it should perk right up.

Q: How Many Times to Water Echeveria pulvinata?

A: When soil has dried out from bottom to top, water until water exits the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Water heavily and may require it more often in the hot conditions, even every other week in cool climates. You may even need to water as much as once every week in the summer.

Q: Will this plant do well inside the whole year round? 

A: Yes, it can. Sit in the brightest position you have – at the very least a few hours of bright, indirect or direct sunlight per day is required. In door plants will probably maintain a bit more green than if placed in direct sun outdoors, will grow much slower, but otherwise should be very healthy if supplied with adequate light and watered correctly. Rotating the pot ensures the rosette doesn’t distort as it grows.

Q: Does a chenille plant need direct sun? 

A: No, it doesn’t need direct sun, but it does require bright light to prevent it from stretching and help encourage the red tips that define this plant. It likes a location with a few hours of early morning sun, or bright indirect sun throughout the day. Don’t put it in a location with direct afternoon sun during summer heat as the leaves will burn.

Q: How fast does Echeveria pulvinata grow, and when should I repot it?

A: It's a slow-to-medium-slow-growing succulent, so don't expect noticeable progress every month. You should repot once every year or two years, or after you notice roots growing around the edges at the base or growth starts to stagnate even with optimal care. Select a pot which is a size larger than you’re using currently, and plant in new succulent mix.

Q: Can I have this around my cat or dog? 

A: Echeveria pulvinata is categorized as non-toxic to pets according to the ASPCA’s plant database. This means ingestion will not cause poisoning to your furry friend (cats, dogs or even horses), although it’s always a good practice to keep houseplants in a safe place away from animals. Chewable leaves (toxic or not) can cause mild gastric distress to certain animals