If you’re looking for a beautiful and resilient succulent, you should consider the echeveria harmsii. This easy-care succulent plant is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced collectors.
Its unique appearance and forgiving nature make it stand out. We’ll cover everything you need to know to keep yours thriving.
Echeveria Harmsii
Often called the “Red Velvet Echeveria” or “Plush Plant,” Echeveria harmsii is a standout species. It forms a loose, shrubby rosette rather than the tight, classic echeveria form.
The leaves are slender, covered in fine, silvery hairs (trichomes) that give it a soft, velvety texture. In bright light, the leaf tips and edges blush a stunning reddish-orange, creating a beautiful contrast.
Why Choose This Succulent?
There are several reasons why this plant deserves a spot in your home. First, it’s remarkably adaptable to indoor conditions. It tolerates the dry air of our homes better than many other succulents.
Second, its growth habit is elegant and slightly sprawling, making it perfect for hanging baskets or the edge of a shelf. Finally, it produces gorgeous flowers. In spring or early summer, tall, slender stalks emerge, bearing bell-shaped, red and yellow flowers that attract pollinators if placed outside.
Ideal Light Conditions
Light is the most important factor for keeping your Echeveria harmsii happy and colorful. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. A south or east-facing window is usually perfect.
If you place it on a sunny windowsill, just watch for signs of sunburn during the hottest summer afternoons. A sheer curtain can provide perfect filtration. If the light is too low, the plant will become “leggy,” stretching out with wide gaps between leaves as it searches for sun.
- Best: Bright, indirect light for 6+ hours a day.
- Good: Direct morning sun with afternoon shade.
- Sign of Need: Stretched, pale growth means it needs more light.
- Caution: Introduce to full sun gradually to avoid scorching.
Watering Your Plant Correctly
Overwatering is the single biggest threat to any echeveria. These plants are built to store water in there leaves. They prefer a “soak and dry” method completely.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Check the soil. Insert your finger about 2 inches deep. If it feels completely dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly. Take your plant to the sink and water it until excess water flows freely from the drainage hole. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
- Let it drain. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
- Wait. Do not water again until the soil is completely dry once more. In winter, this may mean watering only once a month or less.
Signs of Watering Problems
Your plant will tell you if something is wrong. Soft, mushy, translucent leaves that fall off easily mean you are watering too much. Wrinkled, thin, or crispy leaves mean the plant is thirsty and needs a good drink.
Soil and Potting Needs
The right soil is non-negotiable for succulents. Regular potting soil holds too much moisture and will cause root rot. You need a fast-draining mix.
You can buy a pre-made cactus and succulent mix. For even better drainage, amend it with extra perlite or pumice. A good ratio is about 2 parts potting mix to 1 part perlite.
Choose a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous, helping soil dry out faster. When repotting, which is only needed every 2-3 years, do so in the spring or summer.
Temperature and Humidity Preferences
Echeveria harmsii enjoys temperatures similar to what you find comfortable. Aim for a range between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). It can tolerate brief dips down to 40°F (4°C), but frost will kill it.
Unlike some tropical plants, it prefers low to average humidity. The velvety leaves can trap moisture, so good air circulation is key to prevent issues. Avoid placing it in a steamy bathroom or a very stuffy corner.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
This plant is not a heavy feeder. In fact, over-fertilizing can harm it. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for succulents or cacti.
Dilute it to half the recommended strength. Feed only during the active growing season (spring and summer), about once a month. Do not fertilize at all in the fall and winter when the plant is resting.
Propagating New Plants
One of the joys of succulents is making new plants for free. Echeveria harmsii is easy to propagate from leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.
- Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring you get the entire base. For a stem cutting, use a clean, sharp knife to cut a piece of stem with a few leaves.
- Let the cutting callous. Place it in a dry spot out of direct sun for 2-4 days until the cut end forms a dry film.
- Place the calloused end on top of dry succulent soil. Do not bury it.
- Mist the soil very lightly every few days only when it is bone dry. Roots and a tiny new rosette will begin to form in a few weeks. Resist the urge to water normally until the mother leaf has withered away.
Common Pests and Problems
Even easy-care plants can face a few issues. The fuzzy leaves of Echeveria harmsii can sometimes attract pests like mealybugs, which look like tiny bits of white cotton.
Check your plant regularly, especially in the nooks between leaves. If you spot pests, dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Good air flow and avoiding overwatering are the best preventions for fungal problems.
Dealing with Leggy Growth
If your plant becomes stretched and leggy, it’s asking for more light. You can’t reverse the stretch, but you can fix it. Simply cut off the top rosette with a piece of stem, let it callous, and replant it. The old stem will often produce new offshoots as well.
Seasonal Care Tips
Your plant’s needs change with the seasons. In spring and summer, it’s actively growing. This is the time for regular watering (when dry), monthly feeding, and brighter light.
In fall and winter, it enters a dormant or rest period. Water much less frequently, stop fertilizing, and provide as much bright light as possible. Cooler winter temperatures can sometimes enhance the red coloring on the leaves, which is a beautiful bonus.
Design Ideas for Your Home
With its trailing habit and vibrant color, Echeveria harmsii is a versatile design element. Plant it in a hanging basket to show off its elegant form. Use it as a “spiller” in a mixed succulent dish garden. Its red accents pair beautifully with blue-green succulents like Echeveria ‘Blue Atoll’ or sedums.
Just remember to group it with plants that have similar light and water needs. This makes care much simpler for you in the long run.
FAQ
Is Echeveria harmsii safe for pets?
Yes, Echeveria plants are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, it’s always best to discourage pets from chewing on any houseplants.
How often should I repot my red velvet echeveria?
Repot every 2-3 years in the spring, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage hole. Use a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
Why are the leaves on my plush plant falling off?
Leaf drop is most commonly caused by overwatering. Ensure the soil is completely drying out between waterings and that the pot has good drainage. A sudden change in environment can also cause some leaf loss.
Can I grow this succulent outdoors?
Yes, if you live in a climate with mild, dry winters (USDA zones 9-11). Plant it in a well-draining spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. In colder zones, you can move it outside for the summer but bring it back inside before the first frost.
What’s the difference between Echeveria harmsii and Echeveria pulvinata?
They are closely related and both called “Plush Plants.” Echeveria pulvinata (Chenille Plant) typically has denser, shorter hairs and a more compact, ground-hugging growth habit, while harmsii has a more open, shrubby form.
With its stunning looks and simple needs, the Echeveria harmsii is a truly rewarding plant to grow. By providing bright light, careful watering, and the right soil, you’ll enjoy its velvety texture and colorful displays for years to come. It’s a perfect example of how low-maintenance plants can bring the most joy to your space.