Echeveria nodulosa is known for its rosette shape and often green leaves with reddish to pink hues. However, Echeveria benitsukasa’ is a well-known cultivar of Echeveria nodulosa with more pronounced red shades on its leaves. For Echeveria benitsukasa vs nodulosa, in addition to their colourations, you can also consider large caruncles on the leaves of Benitsukasa. Keep reading to tell you more keys to identify them.
Anyway, while seeking on markets you find various names such as Echeveria benitsukasa, Echeveria nodulosa, Echeveria nodulosa painted lady, Echeveria nodulosa “Benitsukasa”, or Echeveria nodulosa “Maruba Benitsukasa” for a very similar Echeveria types. But Who is my lovely Echeveria?
Echeveria nodulosa is the original species and Painted lady is its common name. The correct name of Echeveria benitsukasa is Echeveria nodulosa “Benitsukasa” which is a cultivar of Echeveria nodulosa. Hence Echeveria benitsukasa is a specific variety of the Nodulosa selected for particular traits, and not the species itself.
However Echeveria nodulosa “Maruba Benitsukasa” is a subvariety of Benitsukasa which I will discuss in detail in this article.
Echeveria nodulosa: The Painted Echeveria
Echeveria nodulosa, often referred to as the Painted Echeveria, is a striking succulent native to Mexico. It’s characterized by its:
- Rosette shape: Like most Echeverias, it forms a beautiful rosette of thick, fleshy leaves.
- Leaf colour: The leaves are typically a deep green with vibrant red or pink markings, earning it the name “Painted Echeveria.” The intensity of these colors often increases with exposure to sunlight.
- Stems: Unlike some other Echeverias, Echeveria nodulosa can develop noticeable “knobby” stems over time.
- Size: It can grow to a moderate size, forming a sprawling or upright plant, depending on the growing conditions.
- Flowers: In the right conditions, it produces tall flower stalks with bell-shaped, pink or yellow flowers.
Overall, Echeveria nodulosa is a visually appealing succulent with a unique combination of colors and textures. Its striking appearance makes it a popular choice among plant collectors.
Echeveria Benitsukasa: A Stunning Succulent
Echeveria benitsukasa is a captivating succulent that is renowned for its striking appearance. It’s a cultivar of Echeveria nodulosa, often referred to as the Painted Lady, but with even more dramatic colouration.
Here are some key features of its appearance:
- Rosette shape: Like most Echeverias, it forms a beautiful rosette of thick, fleshy leaves.
- Leaf colour: The leaves are typically a deep green with vibrant red or purple hues, especially at the tips and edges. This colouration is often more intense when exposed to bright sunlight.
- Caruncles: Many varieties of Benitsukasa have small, bumpy growths called caruncles on the upper leaf surface, adding texture and interest to the plant.
- Size: It generally grows to a moderate size, forming a compact rosette.
In essence, Echeveria benitsukasa is a visually stunning succulent that can be a focal point in any plant collection. Its unique combination of colours and textures makes it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts.
Echeveria benitsukasa vs nodulosa
Here I provided key differences between Echeveria benitsukasa and Echeveria nodulosa. While both Echeveria benitsukasa and Echeveria nodulosa are stunning succulents with similar characteristics, some key differences set them apart:
Echeveria nodulosa
- Generally has a broader range of leaf color variations, often with softer, more pastel-like tones.
- May have a more pronounced “knobby” stem as it matures.
- Often displays a more sprawling growth habit.
Echeveria benitsukasa
- Typically exhibits more intense and vibrant red or purple colouration on the leaf margins.
- Often has a more compact growth habit.
- May have more prominent caruncles (small bumps) on the leaf surface.
It’s important to note that these are general characteristics, and individual plants can vary. Additionally, the intensity of colouration in both varieties can be influenced by factors like sunlight exposure, temperature, and watering.
Echeveria nodulosa ‘Benitsukasa’ vs. Echeveria nodulosa ‘Painted Lady’
While there might be subtle differences, Echeveria nodulosa ‘Benitsukasa’ and Echeveria nodulosa ‘Painted Lady’ are generally considered to be the same plant.
The names are often used interchangeably to describe this beautiful succulent with striking red and green foliage.
The core characteristics, including leaf shape, growth habit, and flower colour, are typically identical between the two names. There might be slight variations in specific cultivars under these names, but these differences are often negligible for the average plant enthusiast.
Echeveria nodulosa ‘Benitsukasa’ vs. Echeveria nodulosa ‘Maruba Benitsukasa’
There seems to be some confusion and potential overlap in the naming of these two Echeveria varieties.
- Echeveria nodulosa ‘Benitsukasa’: This is the more commonly known name for this cultivar. Its striking red coloration characterizes it and often has a more compact growth habit.
- Echeveria nodulosa ‘Maruba Benitsukasa’: This name appears to be a more specific or refined version of the original ‘Benitsukasa’. It might indicate a particular trait, such as leaf shape or colour variation, that sets it apart from the standard ‘Benitsukasa’.
I guess ‘Maruba Benitsukasa’ is a subvariety or a more specific description of the ‘Benitsukasa’ cultivar.
If you are interested in colourful small succulents, I recommend reading my other post about bleu types of Echeveria in my other post. I also listed the purple Echeveria types.
Caring for Echeveria benitsukasa and Echeveria nodulosa
Both Echeveria benitsukasa and Echeveria nodulosa share similar care requirements as they are closely related. They are popular small succulents.
Light:
- Both thrive in bright, indirect light.
- Direct sunlight can cause sunburn, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Watering:
- Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Overwatering is a common cause of root rot.
- Reduce watering during winter when the plant is dormant.
Soil:
- Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
- Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Temperature:
- They prefer warm temperatures but can tolerate mild cold spells.
- Protect from frost.
Fertilizing:
- Feed with a diluted succulent fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Avoid fertilizing during winter. I was hoping you could read my other post about houseplants’ food.
Repotting:
- Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes rootbound.
- Use a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.
Propagation:
- Both can be propagated from leaves or offsets.
- Allow the cuttings to dry for a few days before planting.
Conclusion
I told you Echeveria benitsukasa is a cultivar (or variety) of Echeveria nodulosa, so its exact name is Echeveria nodulosa “benitsukasa”. But Echeveria benitsukasa is not exactly the same as Echeveria nodulosa. On the other word, all Echeveria benitsukasa plants are Echeveria nodulosa, but not all Echeveria nodulosa plants are Echeveria benitsukasa.
You found out key features to distinguish Echeveria benitsukasa from Echeveria nodulosa. I told you for Echeveria benitsukasa vs nodulosa, you must consider the large caruncles and intense red colours on its leaves, as well as a bushier growth habit in Echeveria benitsukasa.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.