The Peacock Echeveria is a variety of the Echeveria genus native to Central America. It shares a lot of similarities with the ghost echeveria or lilacina. Its succulent leaves are powdery and gray in color. They adopt the rosette growth pattern and are blessed with red tips. It is sometimes called the peacock cactus due to its cacti-like appearance.
Echeveria peacockii is a tropical perennial. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors as ornamental plants. They are believed to be deer resistant and are suitable for rock gardens. Like most stonecrop plants, the peacockii is slow-growing. And they produce beautiful flowering blooms in the springtime.
The Echeveria peacockii flower takes up a pale pink appearance. It is carried by long slender stalk which is in contrast to its short gray leaves.
| Botanical Name | Echeveria Peacockii |
| Common Names | Mexican peacock echeveria, Peacock cactus |
| Origin | North and Central America, Mexico |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent Perennial |
| Full Size | 5 to 6 inches tall |
| Sun Exposure | Bright but filtered light, can tolerate direct or full sunlight |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, acidic, sandy soil mix |
| Toxicity | Can be toxic when ingested by people and pets |
Peacockii Echeveria Care Guide
The pecockii echeveria is a low-maintenance succulent. Their thick fleshy foliage retains a lot of water which can sustain the plant for long periods. This means they can survive neglect. Their lighting, soil, and temperature requirements are pretty simple.
Echeveria Peacockii Light Requirements
Like most members of the Echeveria genus, the peacockii loves bright light. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of exposure to light a day. It is best you provide them with access to bright but filtered sunlight for best results.
They can tolerate direct sunlight, but long exposure can cause slight sunburns. So place them next to a west or south facing window when indoors. If you must grow them outdoors, then an area with little sun protection would be perfect.
Low lighting situations can also be tolerated. But ensure you get good quality grow lights for a proper growing plant. If they don’t receive enough light, they can suffer stunted growth. And produce poor flowers
When exposed to proper lighting, they develop vibrant colors. Their gray leaves become almost blue, and the edges pink.
Echeveria Peacockii Water Requirements
As a succulent, the echeveria is drought tolerant. They do not require frequent watering as they are easy to overwater. Due to their delicate root systems, overwatering them can lead to root rot.
Watering should be done once the soil has become dry. So make use of a moisture meter to measure the soil moisture level. You can also feel the soil with your finger for an idea of how much moisture is in it.
When watering, ensure it is thorough and reaches every part of the plant’s root. Avoid watering the delicate foliage, you can open it up to fungal attacks. Instead water into the plant’s soil using dechlorinated water or rainwater.
Ensure the chosen pot has enough drainage holes at its base. This is to allow the free passage of water from watering.
Echeveria Peacockii Soil Requirements
The soil choice should be well-draining and airy. This can be traditional sandy soil or a healthy cactus mix. You can also create a custom potting mix using good potting soil and peat moss. Mix it with some perlite and add coarse sand.
When it comes to soil pH, ensure it is a little acidic. A good pH value range should be between 6.5 and 7.0.
Echeveria Peacockii Temperature and Humidity Requirements
You can grow this echeveria variety with ease indoors. They require a hot and dry climate which you can provide. Keep the temperature level between 65 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. And avoid misting the plant as they hate humid areas.
Temperatures should never go below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. You risk exposing them to frostbite if you do. During the winter, keep them away from windows. And if you grow them outdoors, move them indoors.
Echeveria Peacockii Fertilizer Requirement
You do not need to fertilize the peacock echeveria often. In fact, fertilizers can cause burns and leggy growth. They can survive regular, poor soils. But if you must fertilize them, then use a succulent or cactus fertilizer.
The fertilizer should be low strength, so ensure it is diluted. And it should be applied once a year at the start of the spring season.
Echeveria Peacockii Propagation Requirements
Propagating the peacockii plant can be done by stem cuttings and seeds. Always ensure you sterilize all tools before using them. This is to protect the plants from infections. To propagate from seeds, you’ll have to wait for the flower to die. The seeds can be obtained from the dead flower.
Common Health Problems of The Peacockii Echeveria
- Mealybugs
- Scales
- Root Rot
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, some members of the Crassulaceae family are known to be toxic.
They are the same plant, But the Echeveria Desmetiana is the correct name for the plant.
The Echeveria nodulosa hybrid is considered the rarest echeveria.
Echeverias have a long lifespan, surviving up to 30 years.
The aloe vera, echeveria, and crassula are very easy to grow and maintain.
