Echeveria

Echeveria (Pronounced e-CHEV-er-ee-a) is a perennial succulent plant, which typically grows in clusters. It is named after Anthanasia Echeverria Godoy, a botanical artist who accompanied the expedition under Sessé and Mociño to Mexico between 1787 and 1797.

There are a huge number of different varieties of the plant, such as Echeveria Elegans, which is also known as the Mexican Snowball on account of its short, round form and bluish-white foliage. Other types include Echeveria Fimbriata which has green leaves, often tinged with purple and Echeveria Agavoides which is also known as Red Edge Echeveria.

Description
Echeveria plants are rosette shaped plants of around 5cm in diameter; they usually grow to between 5cm and 10 cm in height. Echeverias often show interesting variations in colour, particularly during the cool winter months when colours can range from vibrant ruby reds to dusky pinks. It is the different colour variations that make them a popular choice for growing in decorative landscape gardens. Some types of Echeverias, such as Echeveria Purpusorum, make excellent indoor pot plants.

Habitat
Originating in the Southwest region of the USA and in Mexico, Echeverias are delicate plants that grow best in sandy soils with good drainage. Most varieties of Echeveria react badly to cold weather and should be planted in a sunny spot. Potted Echeverias can be placed outside during the summer months but should be kept indoors during the winter.

Availability
Echeverias bloom in the summer, although the exact nature of the flower varies between different species in the genus. For example, Echeveria Elegans, or the Mexican Snowball, produces pink flowers with yellow edges, which hang from long stalks. Echeveria plants can be divided during the summer months.

Species
Part of the large Crassulaceae family, there are a great many species of plants in the genus, Echeveria. Some species make good garden bedding plants, whilst others, such as the Echeveria Purpusorum are best suited to growing indoors.

Care Tips
Echeveria plants often drop their leaves during the winter months. It is advisable to collect fallen leaves, as they can be susceptible to fungal infection. Regular nourishment with fertiliser and attentive watering will help ensure that your Echeveria plants stay strong and healthy.

Did You Know?
Plants in the Echeveria genus are sometimes known as “Hen and Chicks”. This nickname also encompasses some members of the Sempervivum genus of succulents.

Echeverias are often crossbred with other types of plants producing hybrids that are popular with collectors and horticultural enthusiasts.

References
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54606/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/12540.shtmlhttp://www.guide-to-http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/echeveria.html