Discover the Striking Echeveria 'Ben Badis'
Imagine a captivating rosette of fleshy leaves, their surfaces often displaying a beautiful interplay of colors, from soft blues and greens to hints of pink or purple along the edges. This describes Echeveria 'Ben Badis', a sought-after succulent hybrid admired for its elegant form and subtle yet striking coloration. A popular choice for succulent enthusiasts and gardeners alike, it brings a touch of sophisticated beauty to indoor and outdoor spaces with its relatively low-maintenance nature.
 
Key Features of Echeveria 'Ben Badis'
Rosette Shape: Forms a compact, symmetrical rosette of tightly packed leaves.
Leaf Coloration: Leaves typically exhibit a blend of blue-green hues, often with pink or purplish margins that intensify with cooler temperatures or more sunlight.
Leaf Texture: Leaves are generally smooth and somewhat powdery (farina), which helps protect them from intense sun. Handle with care to avoid rubbing it off.
Size: Typically grows to a manageable size, reaching a diameter of around 4-8 inches, making it ideal for smaller pots and arrangements.
Offsets: Mature plants may produce offsets (baby plants) around the base, contributing to a clustered appearance over time.
 
Care for Your Echeveria 'Ben Badis'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much intense, direct sun can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can lead to etiolation (stretching). An east or west-facing window indoors is often ideal. Outdoors, provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a primary cause of root rot in Echeverias. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil. A commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or sand is recommended to ensure proper drainage.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F). Protect from frost and extreme heat.
Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels. Avoid overly humid environments, which can promote fungal growth.
 
Maintenance of Echeveria 'Ben Badis'
Removing Dead Leaves: Gently remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the rosette to prevent pests and diseases and maintain a clean appearance.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant outgrows its container, using fresh, well-draining soil. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one.
Pest Control: Regularly inspect your plant for common succulent pests like mealybugs or aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Farina Preservation: The powdery coating (farina) on the leaves is natural and helps protect the plant. Avoid touching the leaves excessively to maintain this coating.
 
Propagation of Echeveria 'Ben Badis'
Offsets (Pups): Gently remove offsets that have developed their own roots. Allow the cut end to callus over for a day or two before planting in well-draining soil.
Leaf Propagation: Carefully remove a healthy, plump leaf from the rosette, ensuring a clean break. Allow the leaf to callus over for several days. Place the leaf on top of well-draining soil or barely insert the cut end into the soil. Mist lightly and keep in a warm, bright location (but out of direct sun) until roots and a new plantlet form.
Stem Cuttings: If the plant has a stem, you can take stem cuttings, allowing the cut end to callus before planting in well-draining soil.
 
With its captivating form and relatively easy care, Echeveria 'Ben Badis' is a delightful addition to any succulent collection or indoor garden, offering a touch of understated elegance and natural beauty.
 
 
* 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.