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Description
Echeveria Dactylifera, commonly known as the Mexican Giant, is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. It is a slow-growing perennial plant that can reach up to 60 cm in height and 90 cm in diameter. This plant is native to the states of Oaxaca and Puebla in southern Mexico, where it grows in rocky cliffs and canyons.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Echeveria |
Appearance
The Echeveria Dactylifera has a rosette shape, with thick and fleshy leaves that are light green in color. The leaves are triangular in shape and can grow up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The margins of the leaves have a pinkish-red hue and are covered with small white hairs. In the summer, the plant produces a tall inflorescence that can reach up to 1 meter in height. The flowers are pink to red in color and have a bell-shaped appearance.
Care Guide
For the best growth of your Echeveria Dactylifera, follow these care tips:
Water
Water the plant deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again to prevent root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter months.
Soil
Use a well-draining soil mix with a high percentage of perlite or sand. Avoid heavy soils that retain water, as this can cause root rot.
Sunlight
The Echeveria Dactylifera prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause sunburn on the leaves.
Hardiness Zones
Echeveria Dactylifera is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Echeveria Dactylifera is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, so it is important to avoid this.
Habitat
Echeveria Dactylifera is native to the states of Oaxaca and Puebla in southern Mexico. It grows in rocky cliffs and canyons.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Echeveria Dactylifera?
A: Water the plant deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again to prevent root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks.
Q: What kind of soil mix should I use for my Echeveria Dactylifera?
A: Use a well-draining soil mix with a high percentage of perlite or sand. Avoid heavy soils that retain water, as this can cause root rot.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Echeveria Dactylifera?
A: Echeveria Dactylifera is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, so it is important to avoid this.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Echeveria Dactylifera?
A: Echeveria Dactylifera is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Echeveria elegans
- Echeveria agavoides
- Echeveria pulidonis
- Echeveria harmsii
References
- “Echeveria Dactylifera, Mexican Giant Succulent.” World of Succulents. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/echeveria-dactylifera-mexican-giant-succulent/.
- “Echeveria Dactylifera.” Plant Care Today. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/echeveria-dactylifera.html.
- “Echeveria Dactylifera.” Succulent City. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://succulentcity.com/echeveria-dactylifera/.
