cactus succulentN. America Native

Echeveria

The Story

Plant Bio

Echeveria colorata is an evergreen perennial succulent forming a tight, solitary rosette of thick, upcurved leaves on a short stem. The minty silver-green or bluish-white foliage is coated in a powdery white farina and features distinctive pink to carmine-red margins.

This species is distinguished by its sharp, acute leaf tips and the intense coloration that develops under bright sunlight. In spring, it produces tall, arching, pinkish-red stems bearing bell-shaped flowers that are coral-red on the outside and orange within.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a highly symmetrical, powdery blue-green rosette with striking red margins that intensifies in bright sun.

Extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water and maintenance.

The tubular, coral-red flowers attract hummingbirds and bees during the spring blooming season.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

12"

Width

16"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a container with ample drainage holes and fill it with a gritty, porous cactus and succulent potting mix.
Position the plant in a location that receives at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight daily to maintain its compact form.
Water thoroughly until water drains out the bottom, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Protect the plant from freezing temperatures below twenty degrees Fahrenheit by moving it indoors for the winter.

Pro Tip

Water only when the soil is completely dry and avoid overhead watering; moisture trapped in the center of the rosette quickly induces fatal crown rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use a highly porous potting mix containing pumice, perlite, or coarse sand.
Provide plenty of bright, direct sunlight to keep the rosette tight and the colors vibrant.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues.
Water the soil directly rather than pouring water over the top of the rosette.

Don't

Do not let the plant sit in standing water or a water-filled saucer.
Do not touch the leaves unnecessarily, as this rubs off the protective white farina.
Do not plant in heavy, organic-rich garden soils that retain moisture.
Do not expose the plant to hard frosts or freezing temperatures.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock GardensContainersSucculent GardensGravel Gardens

Companion Plants

Graptoveria Sedum rubrotinctum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Echeveria questions

What zones can Echeveria grow in?

Echeveria is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Echeveria bloom?

Echeveria typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Echeveria need full sun?

Echeveria does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Echeveria drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Echeveria handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.