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Echeveria /ˌɛkɨˈvɪəriə/

Common name: Echeveria · Hen and chicks

Echeveria is a large genus of succulent plants in the stonecrop family, native to Mexico and Central and South America. Its species form tight, symmetrical rosettes of fleshy leaves in shades from blue-green to pink and purple, and they send up arching flower stalks of bell-shaped blooms.

Fun facts

  • The genus is named after Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy, an 18th-century Mexican botanical artist.
  • The powdery white coating on many echeverias, called farina, acts as natural sunscreen.
  • Rosettes produce offsets ("chicks") around the base that can be separated and potted up.
  • Despite the resemblance, echeveria flowers grow on tall stalks well above the rosette, keeping pollinators away from the leaves.

Care summary

Sun Full to bright light, several hours of direct sun
Water Soak, then let soil dry completely
Soil Gritty, fast-draining cactus mix
Hardiness Zones 9–11
Mature height 5–20 cm (2–8 in), depending on species
Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Common problems

    • Let soil dry fully between waterings
    • Use gritty, fast-draining succulent mix
    • Water the soil, not the rosette
    • Move to a bright, sunny window
    • Behead and reroot leggy rosettes
    • Dab pests with alcohol-dipped cotton swab
    • Isolate infested plants from the rest