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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.

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

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.

The Echeveria Patch

1 on xylery

Oscillate Damp Goblin Repotted into a bigger home today.
Browse all 1 plants

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