Echeveria derenbergii Play pronunciation

Painted lady is an evergreen succulent native to Southwest Mexico in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). This plant forms dense clusters of small, tight rosettes with blue-gray, wedge-shaped leaves with red margins. It will produce yellow cup-shaped flowers with red tips in the late winter to spring. It grows up to 4 inches tall, 3 inches in diameter, and can spread up to 36 inches wide. This plant is found in the southwestern Sierra Mixteca of eastern Oaxaca in Mexico. The genus name, Echeveria, honors Atanasio Echeverria y Godoy, a Mexican botanical artist. The specific epithet, derenbergii, is named in honor of Dr. Julius Derenberg of Hamburg, Germany, by his friend and horticulturist, Joseph  Anton Pupus, who had collected this specimen.

This plant thrives in full sun to partial sun and in sandy, medium-moist to dry, well-drained soils or potting mix. Painted lady requires very little water, and it is important to avoid overwatering. It is winter-hardy in zones 9a to 12b. Indoor temperatures from 40 to 75 degrees are tolerated. It is best practice to remove any dead leaves to prevent insect pests. Houseplants should be repotted as needed, preferably in the spring. Propagated by offsets in the spring, and they may also be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings.

Painted lady is often used as a houseplant or container plant. In warm climates, it can be grown in rock gardens and crevice gardens. Over time, this plant will form a dense carpet of rosettes.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Mealybugs and aphids may be seen. Overwatering can cause yellowing, mushy leaves, and root rot. Use tepid water when watering; cold water can cause leaf drop. The leaves can sunburn from prolonged periods of direct sunlight.

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Echeveria.