Echeveria 'Pollux' is a striking succulent hybrid often admired for its robust, symmetrical rosette and captivating coloration, which can display a beautiful blend of blues, greens, and pinks, sometimes intensified with stress. Named after one of the Gemini twins, it embodies a sense of balanced beauty and makes a wonderful addition to any succulent enthusiast's collection, offering both visual appeal and relatively easy care.
 
Key Features of Echeveria 'Pollux'
Symmetrical Rosette: Typically forms a well-defined and symmetrical rosette of fleshy leaves.
Paddle-Shaped Leaves: The leaves are often broad and somewhat paddle-shaped, with a slightly pointed tip.
Attractive Coloration: Exhibits a lovely mix of colors, often featuring bluish-green leaves with pink or reddish margins and sometimes a powdery coating (farina). Color intensity can vary with light exposure and temperature.
Relatively Large Size: Can grow to be a fairly substantial Echeveria, making it a noticeable presence in arrangements.
Farina (Epicuticular Wax): Many specimens have a powdery white coating (farina) on the leaves, providing a soft, matte finish and protection. Handle with care to avoid rubbing it off.
Potential for Offsets: Mature plants may produce offsets or "chicks" around the base, allowing for propagation.
 
Care for Your Echeveria 'Pollux'
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. To achieve the best coloration, some direct morning sun or filtered afternoon sun is beneficial. Insufficient light can lead to dull colors and etiolation (stretching).
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice is highly recommended.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk for Echeverias. Reduce watering considerably during the dormant winter months.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Flourishing Plant
Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the bottom of the rosette to maintain a clean and healthy environment and deter pests.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger and has drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
Protecting Farina: If your 'Pollux' has farina, handle the leaves as little as possible to avoid damaging this protective layer. Water from the base of the plant.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy feeding. 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 separate 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 and ensure a clean break from the stem. Allow the cut end to callus for several days. 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 can be a slower process.
Stem Cuttings: If the plant develops a stem, sections can be cut, allowed to callus, and then planted in well-draining soil.
 
Echeveria 'Pollux', with its striking symmetrical form and beautiful blend of colors, is a captivating and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent that brings a touch of elegant beauty to any collection or arrangement. Its robust growth and attractive appearance make it a rewarding plant for enthusiasts of all levels.
 
 
 
* 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.