Appearance
· Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern with a plant diameter of up to 35 cm.
· Leaf Features: The edges are wavy and curled, with prominent wart-like bumps on the surface covered in a thin powdery layer.
· Stem: Thick and elongates as the plant matures.
· Color Variation: Depending on light exposure and temperature differences, the leaves can exhibit a gradient of pink, purple, blue, and green hues.
o In low-light, poor growth conditions, or during the juvenile stage and summer, the wart-like bumps may become less noticeable or temporarily disappear.
Seasonal Leaf Characteristics
· Shape: Entire leaves are wavy, with irregular, raised bumps on the surface.
· Color:
o New leaves: Light colors ranging from pale blue to pale purple-red.
o Mature leaves: Deeper colors.
o Under strong light, large temperature differences, or winter cold: Colors intensify to blue or pale purple-red, with leaf tips and edges slightly reddened.
o Under low light: Leaves appear pale blue, become narrow, long, and thin.
Growth Habits
Echeveria 'Paul Bunyan' is a robust succulent.
· Light: It thrives in adequate sunlight.
· Watering: Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry.
· Summer Dormancy: Provide moderate shade and water sparingly.
· Potting: Start with a larger pot due to its medium-to-large size. As the plant ages, lower leaves will wither, exposing the stem, which thickens and elongates over time.
Care Tips
1. Light
· Sufficient sunlight ensures pronounced wart-like bumps, compact growth, and vibrant leaf colors.
· Insufficient light results in pale colors, sparse leaf arrangement, and thinner leaves.
· Provide full sun during spring, autumn, and winter. Shade the plant appropriately during summer.
2. Watering
· Follow the “dry thoroughly before watering” principle. Allow the soil surface to dry completely before the next watering.
· Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
· Winter Care:
o If the weather is extremely cold, apply minimal water at the root base.
o Avoid spraying water on the leaves or into the core to prevent rot. Prolonged moisture on the leaf center can also remove the powdery coating, diminishing its beauty.
o Gradually resume normal watering when temperatures rise.
3. Soil and Repotting
· Use loose, fertile, well-draining soil with good aeration, such as a mix of sandy soil and coal cinder.
· Repot every 1–2 years as the plant grows. Select a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the plant to support growth.
4. Fertilization
· Apply long-lasting fertilizer once per quarter. Avoid raw or concentrated fertilizers.
5. Propagation
· Common methods include leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.
· Due to its hybrid nature, propagation by seed is less successful.
Additional Growth Features
· The thick stem elongates and thickens with age.
· Leaves are tightly arranged in a rosette, with a plant diameter exceeding 10 cm.
· Flowering occurs in summer, producing raceme inflorescences over 20 cm long with inverted bell-shaped flowers.
· Older leaves lose their powdery coating and appear smooth. Lower leaves naturally curl downward.
Key Points for Cultivation
· Adequate sunlight enhances the plant’s color, wart-like features, and overall compact and aesthetic appearance.
· Repot every 1–2 years to accommodate growth. Use pots slightly larger than the plant.
· Always ensure the soil is completely dry before watering.
· Propagation can be done year-round using division, cutting, or leaf cuttings.
By following these guidelines, Echeveria 'Paul Bunyan' succulents can thrive, showcasing their unique textures and colors while becoming a striking addition to any collection.