Painted Lady Echeveria derenbergii
ABOUT
Echeveria derenbergii, commonly known as the Painted Lady Echeveria, is a small and charming succulent that boasts a compact rosette shape. Its leaves are fleshy, spoon-shaped, and form tight clusters that emanate from the center of the rosette. The foliage of the Painted Lady is predominately a pale bluish-green hue, sometimes with a slight silvery sheen, giving it a somewhat frosted appearance. The tips of the leaves are often highlighted with bright pink or red, adding a delightful contrast to the soft colors of the rest of the plant. During its blooming season, the Painted Lady produces vibrant yellow flowers with hints of red or orange. These flowers emerge on slender, arching stalks that rise above the foliage, presenting a striking display against the rosette below. The blossom itself consists of small, bell-shaped, upright and pointed at the ends, which adds to its decorative appeal. The visual combination of the colorful, compact rosettes with the cheerful flowers gives this plant a distinctly attractive appearance, making it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts for use in rock gardens, container gardens, or as a ground cover in mild climates.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Painted Lady, Baby Echeveria
Common names
Echeveria derenbergii.
ToxicityTo humans
Painted Lady (Echeveria derenbergii) is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning because it is generally considered non-toxic. As with any non-edible plant, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause some discomfort, like nausea or vomiting, but this is not common.
To pets
Painted Lady (Echeveria derenbergii) is also non-toxic to pets. It should not cause any symptoms of poisoning if ingested by cats, dogs, or other animals typically kept as pets. Though it is considered safe, it is always best to prevent pets from eating plants to avoid any potential digestive upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Echeveria derenbergii, commonly known as Painted Lady, is easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and upkeep.
- Drought-Tolerant: As a succulent, Painted Lady is highly adaptable to dry conditions and stores water in its leaves, making it ideal for water-conscious gardeners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its attractive rosette shape and colorful leaves, Painted Lady adds visual interest to gardens, homes, and office spaces.
- Propagation Ease: This plant can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings or offsets, allowing gardeners to create more plants for free.
- Pest Resistance: Painted Lady is generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control methods.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in rock gardens, as ground cover, in container arrangements, or as part of a succulent collection.
- Non-toxic: The Painted Lady is safe to have around pets and children, as it does not contain any known toxins that are harmful to them.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Echeveria derenbergii's compact, symmetrical rosette and pastel coloration make it an excellent subject for close-up photography, often used by bloggers and photographers to add a touch of nature to their composition.
- Educational Model: This plant can serve as a model organism in botany classes, helping students to learn about succulent plant structure and adaptations to arid environments.
- Living Jewelry: Small Echeveria derenbergii rosettes can be used as living decorations in jewelry pieces like pendants and rings, offering a unique and eco-friendly fashion statement.
- Wedding Decor: Its elegant form and long-lasting nature make Echeveria derenbergii a popular choice for use in wedding bouquets, table centerpieces, and as place-setting accents.
- Miniature Landscaping: The small size and slow growth rate of Echeveria derenbergii allows it to be used in creating miniature landscapes or fairy gardens, providing a realistic and scaled-down garden experience.
- Craft Projects: The rosette form of the Echeveria derenbergii can be incorporated into craft projects, such as wreaths or wall hangings, to add a natural element to homemade decorations.
- Gifting: Due to its low maintenance needs and visually appealing structure, it is a popular plant to give as a gift to plant enthusiasts or as a housewarming present.
- Pet Entertainment: Cats and some small pets may find the texture and shape of the Echeveria derenbergii leaves interesting to gently paw at, though care should be taken to ensure the plant is not ingested or damaged.
- Culinary Presentation: Leaves of the Echeveria derenbergii, though not edible, can be used as a natural garnish for plating dishes in high-end culinary presentations, before being removed prior to eating.
- Stop-Motion Animation: The distinct and gradual growth movement of Echeveria derenbergii can be captured using time-lapse photography to demonstrate plant growth in educational or artistic stop-motion animations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Painted Lady Echeveria is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Painted Lady Echeveria is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Echeveria derenbergii, commonly known as the "Painted Lady Echeveria," often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to thrive in rocky terrains and endure long periods without water.
- Adaptability: This succulent is known for its adaptability, as it can adjust to various climates and indoor environments, representing the capacity to thrive in different life conditions.
- Enduring Love: The rosette shape of the Painted Lady Echeveria resembles a flower that never fades, symbolizing long-lasting and enduring affection.
- Beauty and Charm: With its attractive and colorful appearance, the Painted Lady Echeveria can symbolize beauty and a charming presence.
- Protection: Succulents like the Painted Lady Echeveria are often thought to have protective qualities, absorbing negativity and fostering a positive space.
WaterThe Painted Lady Echeveria needs to be watered once the soil becomes dry to the touch, which is typically every week in the warmer months and less frequently, about every two to three weeks, during the cooler months. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the plant is never left sitting in water. It is best to employ the "soak and dry" method, providing about 8-12 ounces of water for a standard 5-inch pot whenever the soil is completely dry.
LightThe Painted Lady Echeveria thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, and it can also tolerate partial shade. It’s ideal to place it in a spot that receives several hours of morning sun and partial shade during the intense afternoon light. An east or west-facing windowsill is a great location for this plant where it can get the right amount of sunlight without getting scorched.
TemperatureThe Painted Lady Echeveria prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, which most indoor environments easily maintain. It can survive minimum temperatures of around 40°F, but prolonged exposure to cold will damage the plant. Avoid placing it in areas where it might experience temperature fluctuations, such as near air conditioning units or heaters.
PruningPruning the Painted Lady Echeveria is mainly done to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain its aesthetic appearance. It is best to prune the echeveria during its active growth period in the spring or early summer. You can prune it once a year or as needed when you notice dead leaves at the base of the plant; simply gently pull them away from the stem.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Painted Lady or Echeveria derenbergii is a well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice for extra drainage. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 6.5.
RepottingPainted Lady or Echeveria derenbergii should be repotted every two or three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repotting is typically done in spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingPainted Lady or Echeveria derenbergii prefers low to moderate humidity levels, making it well-suited for typical home environments. Avoid high humidity to prevent rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Painted Lady in bright, indirect light indoors for optimal growth.
Outdoor
Grow Painted Lady in full sun to partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of an Echeveria derenbergii, commonly known as the Painted Lady Echeveria, begins with seed germination, where it requires well-draining soil and partial sunlight. After germination, it enters a juvenile phase, forming a small rosette of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves and gradually develops a strong root system. As it matures, the rosette grows larger and can produce offsets, or "pups," around its base, which contribute to colony expansion. The plant reaches maturity and enters its reproductive phase, typically in spring or early summer, when it sends up a flower stalk with yellow and red flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced, which, when dispersed, can start a new plant's life cycle. The Painted Lady can live for several years and will continue to produce new rosettes and blooms each season, repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Echeveria derenbergii, commonly known as the "Painted Lady," can be propagated mainly through leaf cuttings. The ideal time to propagate is during the spring or early summer, when the plant is in its active growth phase. To propagate, a healthy leaf is gently twisted off the stem, making sure it comes off cleanly without any part left on the stem. The leaf should then be left to dry for a day or two until the cut end forms a callous. Afterwards, the leaf can be placed on top of well-draining soil and set in a warm place with indirect sunlight. The leaf will eventually sprout roots and a new rosette will begin to form at the base. During this time, it is important to mist the soil lightly to keep it moist but not waterlogged. After several weeks to months, the new Echeveria will have established its own root system and can be transplanted if desired.
