Echeveria pulidonis

Background, range and habitat of Echeveria pulidonis

Echeveria pulidonis is native to highland areas of Puebla, Veracruz and Hidalgo in Mexico. The original material came from the Beristáin area of Puebla. Other populations grow in steep ravines and on rocky faces at roughly 2,100–2,500 m. Water drains quickly at these sites even where rainfall is substantial.

The authors of a TAXON paper dated 20 May 2026 propose restoring Urbinia as a genus and use Urbinia pulidonis for this species. For now, we keep the name Echeveria pulidonis.

Growing Echeveria pulidonis in a pot

• Light and red margins: Strong light keeps the rosette compact and brings out the fine red leaf margins. Increase direct sun gradually after a move from lower light.
• Watering: Let the pot dry well between waterings. Water thoroughly once the deeper mix is dry and the pot feels light, then let the excess drain away.
• Potting mix: Use a loose succulent mix that stays airy after watering and drains freely.
• Cooler conditions: Normal indoor temperatures suit this highland species. Keep it frost-free and leave more time between waterings whenever cool or humid conditions slow drying. In humid rooms, make sure air can move freely around the leaves.
• Flowering: The top of the flower stalk naturally bends as the yellow blooms develop. Leave it in place while it flowers, then cut the spent stalk at its base.
• Feeding: A little complete fertiliser is enough while fresh leaves are growing or the flower stalk is developing. Reduce feeding once growth slows.
• Repotting and propagation: Replace the old mix once roots have filled the pot or water begins to drain slowly. Separate rooted offsets when available. Healthy leaves and stem cuttings can also be rooted.

Common issues with Echeveria pulidonis

• The fine red margins become faint and fresh leaves grow longer: The plant needs brighter light. Increase it in stages. New centre leaves should stay shorter and develop a stronger red margin.
• Firm leaves develop blister-like bumps that later turn rough: Oedema can follow heavy watering in cool or humid conditions. Let the pot dry well and improve air movement before watering again.
• Lower leaves become water-soaked or soft and growth stalls: Check the roots and lower stem for rot. Remove all soft or rotten tissue with a clean tool until you reach firm, healthy tissue. Discard the rot and let fresh cuts dry. With firm roots still attached, replant the healthy section in fresh dry mix. If the healthy cutting has no roots, let the cut dry before placing it in fresh dry mix to root.
• Cottony insects hide at leaf bases or aphids gather on the yellow flower stalk: Remove visible pests and inspect the roots and nearby plants. Use a treatment labelled for the pest on ornamental plants. Repeat it only as the label instructs.

Echeveria pulidonis is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Why is it called Echeveria pulidonis?

Echeveria commemorates Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy. The epithet pulidonis honours Miguel Pulido.

Augustin Pyramus de Candolle established the genus Echeveria in 1828 in Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, volume 3, page 401.

Eric Walther first described Echeveria pulidonis in 1972 in Echeveria, page 122.