Types of Echeveria Succulent Plants

What are Echeveria Succulent Plants?

Echeveria plants are small but mesmerizing species of succulents that have colorful rosette leaves.

They are very popular houseplants among succulent gardeners because of their lower maintenance demands.

Even as a new gardener, you can easily grow these little rosette succulents.

These plants come in a wide range of colors, including pink, light green, red, burgundy, etc.

The leaves are fleshy and thick, indicating the presence of water in them.

There are more than 150 fascinating species in the Echeveria genus.

You will find these succulents widely distributed across the mountainous terrain and remote areas at higher altitudes in South American countries and Mexico.

These varieties are so beautiful that choosing which one we should plant in our indoor garden is challenging. 

According to the researchers, almost 95% of the species belonging to the Echeveria genus can be found in Mexico [1].

These shrubs are drought tolerant and stay happy in indoor conditions.

Due to their growth in desert areas, they grows best in outdoor conditions, but don’t worry because you can also give them a desert feel indoors.

Popular Types of Echeveria Plants

Echeveria Afterglow

Echeveria afterglow is an attractive succulent that is relatively easy to grow in a small container.

This is a hybrid variety of Echeveria Cante and Echeveria Shaviana. You will find Echeveria afterglow widely distributed in the mountainous areas of Mexico.

The leaves are similar to roses, with lavender or blue with bright pink at the edges.

This Echeveria succulent produces reddish-orange flowers during the summer months.

Light intensity and water are the major factors for growing these species. You should provide them with bright light because it will maintain the color.

Intense heat can burn the leaves and ruin their beauty. These plants don’t require too much water as they are drought tolerant.

Plant them in a well-drained potting mix. For propagating, you can follow the stem cuttings method.

Echeveria Agavoides

Echeveria agavoides is a beautiful species of the Echeveria genus. This species can grow up to 5 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter.

The most amazing thing about this succulent is its leaf color, which is pale green.

As the rosettes grow, you will notice slightly red edges and tips, which is why they are also called the Lipstick Echeveria.

There are many attractive cultivars of this species.

This succulent produces orange, red, or pink flowers with dark yellow-tipped petals during the blooming period.

This evergreen succulent plant prefers bright sunlight but not direct sunlight. You should place them in a spot that receives indirect sun.

Prepare a well-drained container for growing these plants. Don’t overwater as it can kill them by causing root rot.

Echeveria Agavoides var. Romeo Rubin

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Echeveria agavoides var. Romeo Rubin is one of the most dazzling succulents that takes away the attention of anyone.

The rosettes of the Romeo Rubin cultivar have a deep purple-red color and may reach mostly 5 inches tall and 8 inches wide.

The leaves look so shiny that it seems they are waxed. Remember that this mesmerizing succulent species can be expensive.

So, once you buy this plant, make sure you care for it properly.

To maintain their red color, you must keep them in the morning sun.

It is recommended that this hybrid Echeveria regularly receive around 5 or 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Placing them in the partial shade can ruin the red color. Prepare a standard cactus mix for growing the Romeo Rubin.

It cannot tolerate standing water. Therefore, you should always check the moisture level before watering.

Echeveria Arlie Wright

Another hybrid, Echeveria Arlie Wright, has a unique leaf pattern, and unlike most other echeverias, these echeveria succulents have robust rosettes that stay pretty strong.

Compared to most other Echeveria types, this specific variety is larger and has frilly leaves.

The foliage has a mix of pink and burgundy colors. During the spring, it produces orange, yellow flowers.

Since this plant doesn’t have a green color, you should place it under direct light to facilitate its photosynthesis process.

We suggest placing it near a bright windowsill that receives plenty of sunlight.

Never overwater these succulent plants, as excess moisture can cause root rot.

Additionally, they can grow quite large. So, make sure you plant them in a bigger container.

Echeveria Black Prince

Echeveria Black Prince is a beautiful succulent species with attractive dark green leaves.

At first sight, you may think that the color is almost black, but you can see the greenness if you look closely.

The leaves are broad and thick and have pointy tips. It is a hybrid variety of two different Echeverias: Echeveria shaviana and Echeveria affinis. During the blooming period, it produces very dark red flowers.

Echeveria Black Prince should be placed under a bright light. Remember that the more light this plant receives, the more intensified the dark color.

While growing indoors, the best spot is on the south windowsill. Use sandy soil for growing this hybrid succulent.

Don’t overwater it, as this variety cannot tolerate excess water. This is a rare variety, so you should propagate it carefully.

Echeveria Colorata

Echeveria colorata is like the other succulent plant that produces beautiful pink flowers.

You will find these succulents widely distributed in the dry regions of Mexico. The rosettes may be as wide as 16 inches.

This succulent species has pale green leaves that have red tips. It blooms with flowers from mid-summer to fall.

Echeveria colorata should be planted in bright sunlight to receive abundant light.

You don’t have to water them too often as they are drought tolerant and susceptible to excess moisture.

Prepare a well-draining potting mix for growing them in a container. Make sure you have a drill beneath the pot to remove excess water.

Echeveria Derenbergii

Echeveria derenbergii is also called the Painted Echeveria or the Painted Lady Echeveria. This evergreen perennial plant’s rosettes grow as tall as 4 inches.

During the blooming period, it produces bell-shaped flowers. The yellow blooms show red-painted tips during the winter months.

If you want to grow it in a temperate region, you must ensure its winter protection.

Echeveria derenbergii prefers to grow in a well-drained potting mix.

If you want to grow it indoors, you should use a standard cactus soil mix, whereas for growing outdoors, you should choose a spot with an excellent drainage system.

You should place them in the bright sunlight to encourage their growth. This plant may die within a short time if you overwater it.

Echeveria Doris Taylor

Echeveria Doris Taylor is more popular with its other name, Woolly Rose. It is a unique succulent plant that has a charming appearance.

Many people grow them indoors with other houseplants. This rosette-shaped species may reach around 6 inches in diameter.

The fleshy silver or pale green leaves are covered with silver hairs. It produces bell-shaped yellow flowers between fall and spring. 

If grown in too much light, the tips of these leaves may turn slightly reddish.

You should try placing Echeveria Doris Taylor in the partial shade, where these plants will not receive intense but bright light.

Don’t water it too often because it cannot withstand too much water. Follow the most effective soak and dry method.

Adjust the watering schedule depending on the soil type and temperature.

Echeveria Dusty Rose

Echeveria Dusty Rose is another mesmerizing plant that forms medium to small-sized rosettes with a different color combination of violet and pink.

Remember that this color variation will depend on the plant’s sunlight.

This plant has a coating of wax, which allows this species to withstand the full sun. It produces bell-shaped orange-red flowers during the spring.

Dusty rose Echeveria needs bright light to maintain its beautiful color combination and rosette.

They are not frost-hardy, so you have to move them indoors if there is a hard frost in your region. Plant them in a container that has drainage holes.

Let the topsoil dry before watering. You may propagate these plants by following the stem cuttings method.

Echeveria Elegans

Echeveria Elegans has many names: Echeveria Mexican Snowball, white Mexican Rose, or Mexican Gem.

This variety can grow up to 4 inches tall and 20 inches wide, with compact rosettes like the other Echeveria succulents.

It has pale or light blue, green leaves and pink-colored stalks with pink-yellow flowers that are 10 inches tall.

You will find it widely distributed in the semi-desert areas of Mexico.

The Mexican Snowball grows well under the full sun. Lack of sufficient sunlight can result in weaker growth.

We recommend placing them in the southern window to get the most sunlight.

You should prepare a standard cactus potting mix that ensures excellent drainage.

Don’t overwater Echeveria elegans, as it cannot tolerate excess soil moisture.

Echeveria Gigantea

Echeveria gigantea is also known as the Giant Hens and Chicks, and you can identify it easily by observing the giant green succulent leaves with a red border.

It can grow up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. It produces red-pink-colored flowers in the late fall.

Although pests and diseases are not a problem, you should know that mealybugs like this succulent plant.

It prefers temperatures of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and low humidity. Place them under the full sun or dappled light to encourage growth.

Water them depending on the soil type and temperature, and ensure that the soil is not too soggy. You may reduce watering during the winter.

Echeveria Glauca

Echeveria glauca is one of the most beautiful and popular echeveria types. Glauca is a Latin word that means bluish gray-green colored leaves. 

Like the other Echeverias, this variety is straightforward to grow. It forms a dense carpet of beautiful rosettes.

An adult rosette may grow to around 8 inches. Due to its clusters of rosettes, people also call it the “hen and chicks” plant.

Growing Echeveria glauca is similar to growing other echeverias. You have to ensure that this species receives bright light but not too intense.

We suggest you place Echeveria glauca in a partial shade area.

You will see bell-shaped yellow blooms coming out of the tall stalks during its blooming period. They are not very frost-hardy.

So, you may move them inside during the winter.

Echeveria Imbricata

Echeveria imbricata, mainly known as Blue Rose Echeveria, is one of the most popular varieties. It has large, flat, blue-green leaves with pink edges.

As this species grows older, it begins to form rosette clusters.

It can grow up to 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Echeveria imbricata is considered the hardiest variety due to its adaptive capability.

You can either grow Echeveria imbricata indoors or outdoors. To grow them indoors, you must place them under a bright light.

It cannot tolerate inundated conditions or standing water like the other succulents.

Echeveria imbricata produces tiny offsets from the base.

You can carefully separate them from the mother plant for propagation.

Echeveria Lilacina

Echeveria lilacina is commonly known as “Ghost Echeveria.”

It can reach up to 8 inches tall and 6-7 inches wide. It has incredible silvery gray spoon-shaped foliage arranged in a rosette formation.

During the blooming period, it produces coral-pink flowers. These flowers emerge on the top of these plants’ pink-red stems.

You will find these plants widely distributed in northern Mexico.

Ghost plants thrive mainly at higher elevations, indicating their preference for warm temperatures, dry air, and bright light.

Growing them indoors, you should plant them near a sunny location. It would be great if they received a minimum of 4-5 hours of sunlight.

The Ghost Echeveria is drought tolerant, indicating that it can withstand dry conditions. Water them only when the top 2-4 inches of soil look dry.

Echeveria Nodulosa

Echeveria nodulosa or painted Echeveria has a unique look, making it easier for people to identify it. This plant may grow up to 8 inches tall.

The leaves may reach 2 inches tall and 0.6 inches wide. The leaves are pale green with a red border.

The bell-shaped yellow flowers appear in the summer months.

The soil for growing these succulents should be well-drained. You should use coarse materials and sandy soil to prepare an ideal potting mix for them.

Don’t water them too deeply, as excessive moisture can damage the roots.

Place them near an east-facing window where they will receive abundant sunlight.

Echeveria Peacockii

Echeveria peacockii, or Peacock Echeveria, is native to the Mexican desert and rocky areas.

This easy-to-grow houseplant has spoon-shaped blue-gray or gray-green leaves that have reddish tips.

This succulent forms rosettes in a compact format. This slow-growing succulent species may reach up to 6 inches in diameter. 

Growing indoors, peacock echeveria can be an excellent choice. During the blooming season, it produces fascinating bell-shaped pink flowers.

To grow them indoors, you must ensure that the plant receives sufficient bright light.

They are not frost-hardy; therefore, you have to move them to a warmer place during winter.

Echeveria Perle Von Nurnberg

Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg is truly a magnificent succulent species that can grow up to 5 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter.

It has lovely pink-colored leaves, which will grab the attention of any human.

During the summer months, this plant produces yellow or pinkish-red flowers.

To maintain its beautiful color variation, you should keep its light condition.

Like with the other echeverias, you have to correctly maintain its light condition and temperature.

Gardeners should try placing it near a south-facing window to fulfill its light requirements.

Temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit are considered ideal for these plants.

Never let your Echeveria sit in standing water, as it will kill the plant.

Echeveria Pulvinata

Echeveria pulvinata, also called the Chenille plant, is native to central and southwest Mexico.

The name pulvinata means dense silver-white hairs covering stems and leaves. This small succulent species may reach around 12 inches in height.

The green leaves have pointed tips, and you may identify it by the solitary rosette.

Echeveria plants prefer full sun or partial shade. If you grow indoors, we suggest placing them near the south-facing window.

Lack of sunlight can result in leggy growth. Don’t overwater them because it may damage the root system.

The potting mix should be well-drained. Use standard cactus soil for growing this succulent.

Echeveria Setosa

Echeveria setosa is also known as “the Mexican firecracker.” Like the Echeveria tarantula, it has hundreds of tiny hairs covering thick foliage.

This little succulent plant may reach up to 3 inches in height and 12 inches in diameter.

It is generally considered non-toxic to pets, but it is best to keep it away from their reach.

During its blooming period, it produces orange-pink flowers.

Place these succulents in partially shaded areas to receive bright sunlight but not too much sun.

Water them moderately, and check the moisture status before watering them.

These plants are not cold-hardy, and that’s why you may need to take care of them during the winter season.

You should propagate them by separating the offsets in the spring.

Echeveria Raindrop

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The Echeveria raindrop is one of the rarest and most beautiful Echeveria types. It has a unique appearance, making it easier for you to identify this variety.

The mature raindrop echeveria has light blue-green leaves that have round droplets. The rosette may reach approximately 6 inches in diameter.

The base of this succulent is red. You will enjoy beautiful bell-shaped flowers during the spring.

If you can adequately take care of this succulent, it will become more beautiful. Remember that you have to maintain the light intensity correctly.

Place them under the full sun in the morning.

We suggest placing them near a southeastern window. Avoid overwatering this plant.

You can feed these plants with organic fertilizer during the spring season if you want.

Echeveria Runyonii Topsy Turvy

Echeveria Runyonii topsy turvy is another unique succulent with rosettes’ unique shape.

The leaves may reach a maximum of 8 inches in height and 12 inches in width. The silvery green leaves curl towards the center.

In the summer season, the plant produces bright orange flowers. If you have a rock garden, this species could be an excellent choice.

This Echeveria should be grown under the dappled sun where they receive bright sunlight but not midday sun.

This plant is not cold-hardy, which means that you must move it to a warmer location when winter arrives.

Make sure that the drainage system of the potting mix is good because it will remove the excess water.

Echeveria Tarantula

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Echeveria tarantula is one of the most attractive echeveria types. The reddish rosettes contain hundreds of tiny hairs, denser at the center.

This structure gives them a tarantula look. It produces beautiful star-shaped flowers that have purple rose petals.

The mother plant dies after producing flowers, leaving the offsets.

Growing Echeveria tarantula is very easy. You have to be careful about watering these plants.

If there is no excess moisture or the soil is not waterlogged, these plants will grow fine. Place them under a bright light or near an east-facing window.

If you notice the reddish-brown leaves of these succulents, consider moving them to the shady areas.

Echeveria Taurus

Echeveria taurus is another striking species of the Echeveria genus. This variety has red and green compact rosettes.

Mesmerizing yellow and red flowers appear on the tall stems during the summer months.

If you want to grow this Echeveria in a container, you are welcome to because this Echeveria grows best in indoor conditions. 

While growing this succulent, the first thing to remember is the potting mix, which should be well-drained.

Place them near an east-facing window to receive the maximum amount of morning sun. Water them when the topsoil looks dry.

Don’t worry about fertilization because these plants are slow growers and rarely need any fertilizer.

Echeveria Tippy

The Echeveria tippy plant has mesmerizing bluish-green leaves that have bright pink-colored tips.

You will find these succulents widely distributed in the rocky areas of Mexico. Remember that the tips can be pretty sharp.

This succulent is covered with a powdery coating. Large Echeveria tippy can have a diameter of 6 inches.

This succulent species cannot withstand freezing temperatures.

That’s why you will have to move them to a warmer place if the temperature drops too much.

Place them under a bright light to encourage their growth. The potting mix should be well-drained because these plants cannot tolerate wet conditions.

You may feed them with organic fertilizer during the spring.

Echeveria Plant Care Guide

Echeveria plants are straightforward to take care of. One can easily grow them indoors because of their fewer requirements.

This section will learn about their light, temperature, humidity, soil, water, and fertilizer needs.

If you create a survival condition for these succulents, they will stay happy even on your desk or table.

Light

Echeveria plants are native to tropical areas; therefore, you have to make sure that they receive at least 4 hours of sunlight regularly.

Otherwise, the leaves will lose their beauty. Avoid providing them with the midday sun as it can damage the leaves.

We suggest you place them near the east-facing window to receive the full morning sun.

These plants become leggy when they don’t get sufficient sunlight. Also, they are doubtful to produce flowers in this condition.

Another tip: if you plant them on a windowsill, make sure to rotate them frequently to ensure an even distribution of light in all directions.

Temperature and Humidity

Both temperature and humidity levels are essential for growing Echeveria species.

As they thrive in dry and hot conditions, you should keep them in a warm place.

Remember that these species aren’t cold-hardy, so you must not keep them outdoors during the winter months.

The average temperature required for growing Echeveria plants is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

These succulents prefer to grow in moderately humid conditions. It would be best to maintain a 40–50% humidity level.

Soil

Echeveria species need porous and well-draining growing media because excessive moisture will cause root rot.

We recommend using a standard cactus potting mixture to grow these small succulents. Even if you can’t find an ideal cactus potting mix, you can make one.

Use coarse materials like gravel, pumice, and perlite and add loam soil. You can also mix coco peat or peat moss to improve the structure.

Remember that you have to balance the mix. If you can’t find coarse materials, use sandy soil instead of loam.

For growing them outdoors, you need to choose a slightly elevated spot compared to the rest of the garden area.

This elevated condition will reduce the risk of inundation.

Water and Fertilizer

Echeveria succulents don’t require too much water. To make a watering schedule, you need to examine the soil type and temperature.

Don’t worry about the watering schedule. The easiest method to water these plants is to follow the soak and dry method.

But for this method, you may need to add some organic materials with good water retention capacity.

Don’t forget to make holes beneath the container to remove excess water. Damp soil may give rise to fungal infection.

Although fertilizing is not recommended for Echeveria, you may feed them with slow-release organic fertilizer during spring to summer.

Using organic fertilizer will reduce the risk of burns. Don’t fertilize these plants in the winter months.

Propagation

Echeveria species propagate through producing offsets.

If you want to propagate them manually, we suggest you go for leaf cuttings or through seeds because these are the two most successful methods for propagating these succulents.

Usually, the matured plants produce offsets.

To separate these offsets, you need to use a sterilized knife—the ideal time to propagate echeverias in April-May.

FAQs

Conclusion

To sum up, there are many beautiful varieties of Echeveria, and most of these succulents have different color combinations.

Growing these plants and other houseplants will add variety to your indoor plant collection.

Because of their fewer demands, these plants are straightforward to grow, even in your study room or on your desk.

You only have to ensure that they receive sufficient sunlight, a well-draining potting mix, a little water, and occasional fertilization.

References

• [1] Vazquez-Garcia J.A. et al. 2013. Echeveria yalmanantlanensis (Crassulaceae): A new species from Cerro Grande, Sierra de Manantlán, western Mexico. Brittonia, 65:273-279.
• UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life. (2017). Echeveria. University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gardening Solutions.
• About/mentions: Echeveria, succulents