Ruby Tipped Rosette: Echeveria pulidonis Hybrid

A captivating hybrid combining the iconic ruby-tipped leaves of the classic Echeveria pulidonis with enhanced vigor and unique, often intensified, stress coloration.

1. Origin & History of Name: The genus Echeveria honors Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy, a Mexican botanical artist who extensively illustrated the flora of Mexico. The specific epithet pulidonis is thought to refer to an individual named Pulido or a geographical location associated with its discovery. As a hybrid, this plant is a controlled cross between Echeveria pulidonis and another, often undisclosed, Echeveria species or cultivar, meticulously bred to combine desirable traits and introduce novel aesthetic qualities.
2. Morphology: This succulent forms a compact, typically solitary rosette of fleshy, spatulate leaves, characterized by their pointed tips. While the base color is usually a vibrant green, the hybrid often exhibits enhanced or varied coloration, with the prominent leaf margins and tips blushing a striking ruby-red, intensely highlighted by sun exposure. The leaves may be covered in a protective, powdery farina (epicuticular wax), contributing to a glaucous, often blue-green appearance.
3. Habitat & Origin: The parent species, Echeveria pulidonis, is indigenous to the semi-arid, rocky regions of central Mexico. This plant is a horticultural cultivar, meticulously bred and propagated in nurseries. It does not naturally occur in the wild, thus its cultivation supports sustainable plant practices without impacting native ecosystems.
4. Cultivation Profile:
   • Substrate: Requires a fast-draining succulent and cactus mix; a blend of 50% inorganic grit (e.g., pumice, perlite) and 50% quality potting soil is ideal.
   • Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light to full morning sun. Intense sunlight is crucial for developing its vibrant red leaf margins and maintaining compact growth.
   • Water/Dormancy: Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, typically every 1-3 weeks during active growth (spring/summer). Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing extended dry periods.
5. Scientific/Historical Anecdote: The vibrant "stress coloration" observed in many Echeveria species and hybrids, where leaves turn shades of red, pink, or orange, is a fascinating physiological response. It's often attributed to the production of anthocyanins—pigments that act as a natural sunscreen, protecting the plant from intense UV radiation and extreme temperatures. This adaptive mechanism is highly valued by cultivators, transforming light intensity into a living palette of colors.