Echeverias

Echeverias are more tender, originating from the New World; from southern USA to Mexico, from Central America to Argentina. They are very similar in appearance to Sempervivums, having fleshy rosettes and are similar in nature as they are simple to grow, propagate and hybridize easily. The genus Echeveria was named after Atanasio Echeverria, a Mexican botanical painter. An Echeveria’s offshoot may also be called a ‘chick’ or even a ‘pup’, but this genus does not produce as many offshoots as its cousin. They are commonly propagated by stem or leaf cuttings.

A major difference between these two genuses is that Echeverias are polycarpic, meaning that they do not die once they have flowered. This genus produce rather large (in proportion to the plants themselves) bell shaped flowers that range in colour from yellow and orange to deep red. They flower freely throughout the year. There is great variation in leaf colour and shape – from plain and green, sometimes crinkled, to purple or blue with red tips; some have bristly hairs, called cilia, whilst some have a white, waxy coating. Most are a brighter colour during the growing season.

Echeverias are not as hardy as Sempervivums, not tolerating the cold well. Most temperatures below freezing will damage or kill them. They are also very sensitive to over watering; their roots must be in free draining soil. They do not like water on their leaves. Care should be used when handling certain Echeverias, as oil from one’s hands can leave marks on their leaves. Light is also essential for this genus, plants growing in low light will be tall and spindly, suffering from etoilation (lack of light).