Pleated echeveria (Echeveria gibbiflora)
Care, watering, light and tips for Pleated echeveria on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Pleated echeveria
Echeveria gibbiflora, commonly known as "donkey's ear," is a perennial succulent from the Crassulaceae family, valued for its large rosettes of fleshy, wavy leaves, often with reddish hues on the edges. Its robust habit makes it ideal for rock gardens, large pots, or as part of succulent arrangements in warm, dry climates.
Native range
Mexico
Care tips
It requires direct or very bright sunlight to maintain its coloration and compact form, although it appreciates some shade during the most intense sun hours. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Use a well-draining substrate specifically for succulents or cacti. A common mistake is overwatering and lack of light, which causes the plant to etiolate and lose its appeal.
How to save a dying Pleated echeveria
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled leaves; dark or mushy stem base; yellowing lower leaves falling off.
- First aid
- Remove damaged leaves. If rot, cut stem to healthy tissue and re-root. If dry, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage are lethal, quickly causing stem and root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't progressed far up the stem. Leaf or stem cuttings can save it.