Echeveria Shichifuku Bini is a captivating succulent prized for its elegant, powdery blue-grey leaves that form a graceful rosette. The name itself, translating roughly to "Seven Lucky Beauties" from Japanese, hints at the plant's admired aesthetic. This cultivar is a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts for its serene coloration and relatively low-maintenance nature, adding a touch of tranquil beauty to any collection.
 
Key Features of Echeveria 'Shichifuku Bijin'
Powdery Blue-Grey Leaves: The most striking feature is the soft, powdery blue-grey coating (farina) on its thick, fleshy leaves, giving them a velvety appearance. Handle with care to avoid rubbing it off.
Rounded, Spoon-Shaped Leaves: The leaves are typically rounded to spoon-shaped with a gentle curve upwards, forming a symmetrical rosette.
Compact Rosette: Generally maintains a relatively tight and compact rosette form.
Subtle Pink or Purple Tints: Under cooler temperatures or stress, the leaf edges or the entire leaf can develop subtle pink or purple hues, adding to its charm.
Relatively Slow Growth: Tends to be a slower-growing Echeveria, which contributes to its neat and compact form.
Potential for Offsets: Mature plants can produce offsets (chicks) around the base, allowing for propagation.
 
Care for Your Echeveria 'Shichifuku Bijin'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its powdery coating and compact shape. Insufficient light can lead to stretching (etiolation) and a loss of the farina. Some gentle morning sun is usually tolerated.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with extra perlite or pumice is highly recommended.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk. Reduce watering considerably during the dormant winter months.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Thrives in relatively low humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Flourishing Plant
Handling Farina: Exercise caution when handling the plant to avoid damaging the delicate powdery coating on the leaves. Water from the base.
Removing Dead Leaves: Gently remove any dead or dried leaves from the bottom of the rosette to maintain good hygiene and prevent potential pest issues.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger and ensure it has drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the optimal time for repotting.
Pest Inspection: Routinely check for common succulent pests such as mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fertilizing: Typically does not require frequent fertilization. A diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly once or twice during the active growing season (spring and summer).
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Offsets (Chicks): Carefully detach offsets that have developed their own root systems from the mother plant. Allow the cut surfaces to callus over for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil.
Leaf Cuttings: Select healthy, mature leaves from the lower part of the rosette. Ensure a clean break from the stem. Allow the cut end to callus for several days until it forms a protective layer. Place the callused leaf on top of well-draining soil or slightly bury the callused end. Mist lightly and provide indirect light until roots and new plantlets emerge. This method can be slower.
 
Echeveria 'Shichifuku Bijin' offers a serene and elegant beauty with its powdery blue-grey leaves and graceful rosette form. Its relatively low-maintenance nature makes it a delightful addition for both novice and experienced succulent enthusiasts, bringing a touch of tranquil charm to any collection.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.