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Plant Information Sheet

Echeveria

Echeveria species — genus-level identification

Identification status

Use this sheet only at genus level until a label or diagnostic photographs establish the species.

Representative non-flowering form for Echeveria
Representative non-flowering form for Echeveria. Representative photograph from Wikimedia Commons. Because identification is pending, compare the plant and its label before relying on the image. Photograph: Muralikrishna m, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
Plant typerosette-forming succulent perennial
LightVery bright light, with gradual acclimation to direct sun
WaterSoak thoroughly, drain completely, then wait until the mix is dry
EdibilityNot a food plant; keep the identification caution in place
Native to United StatesSome species occur in Texas; this plant is not identified to species
Native to Lafayette areaNo
InvasiveNot invasive outdoors in Lafayette
Self-seedingLimited; offsets and leaves are more commonly used

Care

Light

Very bright light, with gradual acclimation to direct sun.

Water

Soak thoroughly, drain completely, then wait until the mix is dry. Use a pot with an open drainage hole.

Standard soil mix

About one-third screened potting mix combined with two-thirds pumice, perlite, or coarse grit. See Standard Potting Mixes.

Flowering

Representative flowering or reproductive growth for Echeveria
Representative flowering or reproductive growth for Echeveria. Representative photograph from Wikimedia Commons. Because identification is pending, compare the plant and its label before relying on the image. Photograph: Katharva, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Mature plants may produce arching stalks of bell-shaped flowers. Flower color and timing vary by species.

Native environment

Representative habitat conditions associated with Echeveria
Representative habitat conditions associated with Echeveria. Representative photograph from Wikimedia Commons. Because identification is pending, compare the plant and its label before relying on the image. Photograph: Didier Descouens, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
A second representative view of the plant or its habitat
A second representative view of the plant or its habitat. Representative photograph from Wikimedia Commons. Because identification is pending, compare the plant and its label before relying on the image. Photograph: Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Dry, rocky habitats from Texas through Mexico and into northwestern South America; exact range depends on species.

Sources

Related Information Sheets

Climate Information Sheet

Climate lessons for Echeveria

Native climate controls active growth, water use, flowering, and cold tolerance.

Identification boundary

Use this sheet only at genus level until a label or diagnostic photographs establish the species.

Lafayette translation

This plant is only partly native to the United States. Container plants should be protected according to the verified taxon; reduce watering when cold or weak light slows growth.

Care principle

To understand the care of a plant, understand its native climate and environment.

Sources

Ecology Information Sheet

How Echeveria works in its habitat

Fleshy leaves store water, a waxy or powdery surface reduces water loss, and shallow spreading roots capture brief rainfall.

Identification boundary

Use this sheet only at genus level until a label or diagnostic photographs establish the species.

Ecological relationships

Fleshy leaves store water, a waxy or powdery surface reduces water loss, and shallow spreading roots capture brief rainfall. Do not release non-native plants or discarded offsets into natural areas.

Care principle

To understand the care of a plant, understand its native climate and environment.

Sources

Environmental Information Sheet

Native environment of Echeveria

Dry, rocky habitats from Texas through Mexico and into northwestern South America; exact range depends on species.

Identification boundary

Use this sheet only at genus level until a label or diagnostic photographs establish the species.

Care translation

Provide very bright light, with gradual acclimation to direct sun, use a blend that is about one-third screened potting mix and two-thirds pumice, perlite, or coarse grit, and preserve air around the roots.

Care principle

To understand the care of a plant, understand its native climate and environment.

Sources