Echeveria spp.
Houseplants & Succulents

Echeveria

Echeveria spp.

Echeveria · Light: Full sun · Water: Low. Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

LightFull sun
WaterLow
DifficultyEasy to moderate
CategoryHouseplants & Succulents
Account →
Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.

Echeveria — Growing reference

Scientific nameEcheveria spp.
Seed germination (days)14–28
Soil temperature for germination (°C)18.3–26.7
First harvest or flowering (days)365–730
Measured fromTransplant
Plant spacing (cm)10.2–30.5
Mature height (cm)5.1–30.5
Mature spread (cm)10.2–45.7
USDA hardiness zones9–12
LightFull sun
WaterLow
Sowing methodDivision

Growing directions

Plant in very well-drained, lean, gritty soil in full sun; excellent drainage is the single most important requirement for Echeveria — the plants are extraordinarily tolerant of neglect, heat, and drought but will rot rapidly in waterlogged or continuously moist soil. Echeveria is the quintessential rosette-forming succulent of Mexican origin, encompassing over 150 species and hundreds of named hybrids and cultivars that form the backbone of the global succulent garden hobby — their perfect rosette geometry, frosted or wax-coated silvery-blue to green to purple-red leaves, and jewel-like appearance have made them the most photographed succulents in the world. The rosettes range from marble-sized miniatures to dinner-plate-sized giants; flower spikes rise 6–18 inches above the foliage in spring and summer with bell-shaped, orange, yellow, red, or pink flowers that attract hummingbirds. Echeveria propagates readily from leaf cuttings (leaves gently twisted off and left to callus, then placed on moist gritty soil), stem cuttings, and offsets (chicks) produced by the mother hen rosette. In humid Gulf Coast climates, Echeveria should be planted in raised beds or containers with excellent drainage; humidity-tolerant species like E. peacockii, E. imbricata, and E. runyonii perform better in coastal gardens than the most sensitive species. Outstanding as container specimens, in rock gardens, and in xeric landscape designs.

Source and local conditions

Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

OpenPlantDB · echeveria

Source & verification

OpenPlantDB · CC0

Open reference source ↗