Learn About the Types of Echeveria and How to Care for Them

Because of the plant’s popularity, many people are curious to learn how to grow this succulent so they can start their own collections.

Echeveria succulents are members of the Crassulaceae family and are native to Central America, Mexico, and South America. They are generally referred to as Mexican Hens and Chicks.

Echeveria has fleshy leaves that grow around a central stalk, forming a rosette shape. These leaves are the plant’s water storage, which was developed to adapt to the climate in their natural habitat. The color of the leaves ranges from the palest white to the deepest purple, and everything in between. Red or purple hues sometimes appear on the edges of their usually blue-green/dark green leaves. The leaves vary from thin to thick, and smooth to furry.

The genre was named after Atanasio Echeverria y Godoy, an 18th-century botanical artist who documented several species of Echeveria in Central Mexico.

One of the main concerns of Echeveria growers when considering taking their plant indoors is whether the plant will receive the amount of sunlight that it needs to survive. The key is to choose the best spot in your home where your Echeveria can get the proper light and humidity it needs. You might need to move your Echeveria a couple of times around your house to find the best spot for it.

Echeveria succulents were discovered growing naturally in warm climates where they get lots of sun, and they have adapted to this kind of warm and bright environment. The Echeveria species and most of its hybrids have the same light needs.

Even though Echeveria enjoys bright light, we do not recommend putting your plant under the direct, full sun, especially in the summer. Exposure to full sun for extended periods can cause stress and sunburn to your plants.

Before taking them outdoors for the first time after a long period of keeping them indoors during the colder months, make sure to acclimatize your Echeveria first. You can do this by putting them in an area where they can get morning sunlight for a few hours every day. Gradually increase their sun exposure until they are fully acclimated to the full sun. Avoid exposing your plants to the afternoon sun because it can burn their leaves and stress them.

In the winter, place your plant beside a bright window. Choose a south-facing window to ensure that your plant receives the amount of light it requires. You can also grow your Echeveria under grow lights if you think that not enough sunlight enters your home.

Echeverias can tolerate a range of temperatures, but there are differences in the level of tolerance between varieties and hybrids. Most Echeverias enjoy a relatively warm and dry climate. They prefer colder temperatures at night and warmer temperatures during the day. In winter, Echeverias can tolerate 4-6 degrees Celsius at night and up to 15 degrees Celsius during the daytime.

During summer, they can survive quite high temperatures, especially if they are inside greenhouses. If the temperatures go over 30 degrees Celsius, we recommend that you use a sunshade to protect your Echeveria from the intense heat. Most plants, including Echeveria, shut down and close their stomata when the temperature goes above 30 degrees Celsius. They start breathing again when the temperature drops during night time.

Echeveria plants have a powdery wax coating on their leaves called farina, which functions to control water loss and in keeping the leaves clean.

There is no formula in watering Echeveria. A good rule to follow is the old soak and dry method. Only water your Echeveria once the soil is dried up, but pour in a significant amount when you do. Drench your plant with water until the soil is thoroughly wet. If your Echeveria is in a container, keep the water running until water comes out from the drainage holes. Water it again when the soil has completely dried up.

Like all succulents, Echeveria plants do not like sitting in wet soil for too long, so it’s essential to use a fast-draining soil. Excess moisture can cause the rotting of the roots. If you want to make your own succulent soil, combine equal parts of the cactus potting mix and perlite. Avoid using fine sand as it can clog up the soil. You can purchase some ready-to-use succulent soil mixes here.

Echeveria plants don’t require fertilizers, but feeding them every two weeks can give them the nutrients they need to grow properly and produce flowers. The best time to fertilize your Echeveria plants is during their growing season, or in the spring and summer. Choose a well-balanced blend of fertilizer for houseplants or a fertilizer specially formulated for cacti and succulents. Make sure to use a diluted fertilizer like this.

Terra-cotta clay pots are the most suitable containers for your Echeveria plants. These pots are made with materials that allow moisture to escape, leaving the soil dry the way your plant wants it.

Now that you learned about the most common Echeveria types and how to care for them, it’s time for you to grow them. Don’t forget every little detail we shared in this article to make sure that you help your plant thrive. Get your first Echeveria succulent plant here.