Echeveria “Ben Badis” is a cultivar of the Echeveria Agavoides species, a species of flowering succulent plant native to Mexico. It is a rosette-forming plant that produces fleshy, green leaves with a slight curve and a red or pink tint. The “Ben Badis” cultivar is known for its particularly striking appearance, with leaves that are more tightly packed and have a more intense red coloration. Like its parent species, Echeveria “Ben Badis” produces small, yellow, or orange flowers that bloom on a tall stem in the spring and summer.
How to grow and take care of Echeveria Ben Badis succulent?
To grow and take care of Echeveria Ben Badis succulent, you have to be careful of the following factors:
Light: Provide bright, indirect light, and protect from the intense mid-day sun.
Water: Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings, and then water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Use well-draining soil that retains some moisture.
Temperature: These succulents prefer temperatures between 60-85°F.
Fertilizer: Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a cactus or succulent fertilizer.
Propagation: Echeveria Ben Badis can be propagated from leaves or stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus over before planting in well-draining soil.
What is the lifespan of Echeveria Ben Badis succulent?
The lifespan of an Echeveria Ben Badis succulent can vary, but with proper care, it can live for several years. Succulents are known for their slow growth rate and long lifespan, but factors such as light, water, temperature, and soil conditions can impact the overall health and lifespan of the plant. Providing the right conditions for your Echeveria Ben Badis can help extend its lifespan and keep it healthy for many years to come.
How to water it?
To water an Echeveria Ben Badis succulent:
- Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. This can vary depending on the humidity, temperature, and light levels in your environment, but as a general rule, wait until the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
- Water thoroughly: When it’s time to water, give the plant a deep watering, making sure to saturate the soil completely. This can help prevent root rot, which is a common issue for succulents that are overwatered.
- Drainage: Make sure the pot has good drainage so that excess water can escape and the roots won’t sit in water.
- Water sparingly in winter: In the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to prevent the soil from staying too wet. It’s best to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings during this time.
Remember, succulents are adapted to store water in their leaves and stems, so it’s important not to overwater them. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your Echeveria Ben Badis succulent is well-hydrated, without becoming waterlogged.
How to prune it?
To prune an Echeveria Ben Badis succulent:
- Tools: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
- Timing: Prune your Echeveria Ben Badis as needed to maintain its shape, remove any yellow or damaged leaves, and encourage branching. This can be done at any time of year, but spring and summer are ideal for encouraging new growth.
- Pruning method: Cut off the affected leaves or stems at their base, making a clean cut just above a growth node. Avoid leaving a stub, as this can be prone to disease.
- Propagation: Pruned leaves can also be used for propagation. Simply allow the cuttings to callus over for a day or two before planting in well-draining soil.
Remember, succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so pruning can help reduce the risk of rot or disease, while also encouraging healthy new growth. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your Echeveria Ben Badis succulent stays healthy and vibrant for many years to come.
How big does the Echeveria Ben Badis grow?
The Echeveria Ben Badis is a slow-growing succulent that typically reaches a height and width of about 4-6 inches. However, under ideal growing conditions and with proper care, it can reach a height of up to 10 inches. The size of the plant can be controlled by pruning as needed to maintain its desired shape, and by repotting into a larger container as it outgrows its current pot.
Which soil is the best for growing Echeveria Ben Badis succulent?
The best soil for growing Echeveria Ben Badis succulent is a well-draining, porous soil that retains some moisture. A mix of cactus or succulent potting mix, perlite, and sand is a good option. You can also create your own mix by combining regular potting soil with sand and perlite in a 1:1:1 ratio.
It’s important to use well-draining soil to prevent root rot, which can be a common issue for succulents that are overwatered. The soil should be loose and airy to promote healthy root growth and allow for good water drainage.
Additionally, make sure the pot has good drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, and always make sure to allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. These steps can help ensure that your Echeveria Ben Badis succulent has the ideal growing conditions for healthy and vigorous growth.
Where can I buy it?
You can buy Echeveria Ben Badis succulent from a variety of sources, including:
- Nurseries and Garden Centers: Local nurseries and garden centers may carry Echeveria Ben Badis, especially if you live in an area with a Mediterranean climate.
- Online Plant Retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in succulents and other plants, and many of these sell Echeveria Ben Badis. A few popular options include Mountain Crest Gardens, Succulent Gardens, and Costa Farms.
- Local Farmers Markets: Some farmers markets may have a selection of succulents for sale, including Echeveria Ben Badis.
- Specialty Plant Shops: Specialty plant shops, such as those that focus on succulents, may carry a wider variety of Echeveria Ben Badis and other succulent varieties.
When purchasing Echeveria Ben Badis, look for a plant that has healthy leaves, is free of pests and diseases, and has a well-developed root system. With proper care, your Echeveria Ben Badis can thrive and provide years of enjoyment.
Summary
Echeveria Ben Badis is a slow-growing succulent that is easy to care for and can make a great addition to any collection. It prefers well-draining soil, partial sunlight, and infrequent but thorough waterings. To maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth, prune it as needed and repot it into a larger container if necessary. You can buy Echeveria Ben Badis from local nurseries, online plant retailers, farmer’s markets, and specialty plant shops. With proper care, your Echeveria Ben Badis can thrive and provide years of enjoyment.
