Echeveria cante is on of the most sought after succulents. It forms a single rosette of silvery blue-green leaves and these are covered with a pale lavender to white bloom, or powdery (farinose) coating. To add to the striking nature of the foliage, each leaf has margins of red which set off the foliage.
Each rosette will reach to around 30 cm across (1ft), the degree of red in the leaf margins and indeed the foliage itself will depend on the amount of sun the plant receives, the more sun the more pronounced the red.
This is an outstanding succulent to grow as a specimen in a container, it is easy care, low maintenance and drought tolerant.
Echeveria cante Care
This is a species that will suffer a little in very cold winters and we suggest overwintering in a warmer protected position, with no exposure to frosts.
Grow this plant in full sun, however in summer, especially in hot climate zones, protect from the afternoon sun.
In winter cut back on watering, once a month should be OK, check the soil before watering, it should be fairly dry.
Fertilise in spring with a general purpose slow release fertiliser that is low in nitrogen.
Propagation
This is a species that does not readily produce offsets, so propagation is usually from seed. You will need to use fresh seed for good germination.
- The seeds are very small so mix them with a little very fine medium before sowing.
- A temperature a few degrees below 20c (68f) is required for germination.
- When sowing the seed they need to be surface sown in a seed tray.
- Mist spray lightly.
- Place the seeds in filtered light and make sure they receive no direct sun.
- A nighttime temperature drop is beneficial.
- Seeds should show signs of germination in around 14 days.
- Grow the plants on until they are large enough to handle (around 6 months)
- Pot up into individual pots using a normal succulent potting mix.