Echeveria

Also known as: Hen and chicks, Mexican hens and chicks

Echeveria are evergreen succulents forming compact rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves. Leaves may be glaucous, blue-green, purple, pink or variegated, often covered with a powdery bloom. Mature rosettes produce arching or upright racemes of small bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, orange or yellow. They are slow-growing, low-maintenance plants valued for their architectural symmetry and year-round interest.

Echeveria

Scientific classification

Species: Echeveria (Echeveria)
Genus: Information to be completed
Family: Crassulaceae

Generally regarded as non-toxic to humans and pets.
Toxicity: Cactus Succulent · Conservatory Greenhouse · Houseplants
Plant type: 0.1 - 0.5 metres
Height: 0.1 - 0.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun · Bright indirect light
Sunlight: 18 – 28 °C
Ideal temperature

Echeveria pictures

Information to be completed

Distribution of Echeveria

Distribution map

Mexico, Central America, north-western South America

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Generally regarded as non-toxic to humans and pets.

Quick identification of Echeveria

Information to be completed

Echeveria care guide

Water thoroughly only when the compost has dried out; never leave water sitting in the rosette.
Watering: Full sun · Bright indirect light
Sunlight: 18 – 28 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water thoroughly only when the compost has dried out; never leave water sitting in the rosette.

Fertilizing

Every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer, at half strength.

Pruning

Remove dead or shrivelled lower leaves and spent flower stems after flowering. No routine pruning is required.

Propagation

Propagate from leaf cuttings or offsets in spring to early summer. Gently twist off a healthy leaf or remove a rosette offset, allow the wound to callus for 1–2 days, then place on gritty compost and water sparingly until roots and tiny plantlets form. Keep at around 18–21°C with bright, indirect light.

Growing

Grow Echeveria in cactus compost or gritty, sharply draining soil in a sunny spot. Water thoroughly when the compost has dried out, and reduce watering significantly in winter. During the growing season, feed every 2–4 weeks with a half-strength cactus or low-nitrogen fertiliser. Keep plants in an airy position and avoid overhead watering, as trapped moisture in the rosette can cause rot. In cool temperate areas, move plants indoors or into a frost-free greenhouse in autumn, or simply keep them as houseplants.

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Echeveria are prone to root and stem rot, especially in cold, wet conditions; fungal leaf spots can also occur. Avoid overwatering and improve air movement.

Pests

Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, scale insects and occasionally red spider mite in dry indoor air. Inspect leaf axils and undersides regularly.

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