Echeveria 'Ben Badis'

Echeveria 'Ben Badis' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial

Size

Small rosette

Watering

Modest; a little base fertiliser at repotting

Light & Placement

In spring and autumn keep it in sun outdoors with good air; in summer in bright, airy shade out of the rain; in winter in frost-free sun outdoors or a sunny room.

Watering

A spring–autumn grower. Water when the pot is completely dry, keeping water off the leaves: thoroughly in spring and autumn, very little in hot, humid summer, and in winter just enough to moisten the top third of the pot.

Temperature & Overwintering

It dislikes Japan's hot, humid summers and exposure to cold winds in winter; protect it from frost and freezing.

Soil & Repotting

Use a free-draining mix and repot in spring or autumn, refreshing the soil.

Propagation

Propagate from leaves or by removing offsets from the base.

Pests & Cautions

Resembles 'Yamatobini', but 'Ben Badis' is smaller, denser and brighter in colour. It is not a registered variety.

About Echeveria 'Ben Badis'

Echeveria 'Ben Badis': a small, beginner-friendly perennial with glossy bronze-green leaves in a dense rosette that reddens at the tips in cool weather. Care basics inside.

7 things to know before growing Echeveria 'Ben Badis'

1. 1Light and airflow

   Bright light keeps the rosette tight and compact. In low light the plant stretches and its red coloring tends to fade. Strong midsummer sun can scorch the leaves, so use shade cloth or move the pot to bright shade.

2. 2Water when dry

   Wait until the soil is completely dry, then water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage hole. Because the leaves overlap so tightly, water left sitting in the center of the rosette can cause rot. Pour water onto the soil around the base rather than over the plant.

3. 3Well-draining soil

   A succulent and cactus mix, or a blend of akadama and pumice, drains quickly enough for this plant. Choose a pot with a drainage hole and keep it small enough to suit the rosette, which helps prevent the soil from staying wet.

4. 4When to repot

   Repot when the roots fill the pot or the old soil has broken down and drains poorly. Every year or two is a reasonable guide, and spring or fall, when the plant is actively growing, is the best time. After repotting, wait a few days before watering to help protect the roots.

5. 5Summer and winter care

   In hot, humid summers, keep the plant in bright, airy shade and water sparingly. In winter, protect it from frost and freezing by moving it under eaves or indoors, and stretch out the intervals between waterings. Avoid sudden changes at the turn of the seasons and let the plant adjust gradually.

6. 6Bringing out the red

   The red tips and leaf-back ridges that appear in cool weather are a highlight of this variety. Plenty of sun from fall through winter, along with lighter watering and gradual exposure to the cold, helps the color develop. As temperatures rise, the red mellows and the leaves return to their bronze-tinged green.

7. 7Choosing a healthy plant

   Look for a tight, well-formed rosette with glossy leaves that are plump and unblemished. Avoid plants that have stretched out or wobble at the base. Also check between the leaves and around the base for pests, such as white cottony patches.

Frequently asked questions about Echeveria 'Ben Badis'

Q.Can a beginner grow it?

A.Its growing difficulty is listed as beginner-friendly. If you give it a bright, airy spot and water only once the soil has dried out, it is manageable even for first-time succulent growers.

Q.Is red color in winter normal?

A.Yes. Red leaf tips and ridges in the cold season are a characteristic of this variety. If leaves turn black and mushy or shrivel, however, look for other causes such as freezing or overwatering.

Q.What is its parentage?

A.It is said to have come from a cross between 'Purpusorum' and 'Seiya'. It forms a compact rosette of small, rounded leaves stacked closely together.

Q.How often should I water?

A.Rather than following a fixed schedule, water when the soil has dried out completely. Drying speed varies with the season, location, and pot size, and it is best to water especially lightly in summer and winter.

Q.Can I keep it on an indoor windowsill?

A.Yes, if the windowsill gets plenty of bright light. Low light makes the plant stretch and weakens its coloring, so give it fresh air on nice days and keep the air moving around it.

Handy Growing Tools for Echeveria 'Ben Badis'

Learn more about Echeveria 'Ben Badis' in the encyclopedia

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