One of the really outstanding species Echeveria xichuensis is a rosette forming succulent with very attractive foliage.
From the Guanajuato region in Mexico the leaves have grey green metallic look with touches of red in the cooler months.
Low growing to around 5 cms and spreading to around 12 cms this is a succulent that is best grown in a very free draining soil mix.
Naturally growing in rock crevices where is manages to be disguised by the foliage, as with many Echeveria species, this is a plant that looks at its best as a specimen plant grown with a gravel topping.
Flowers are pink turning to a more salmon pink near the tips.
Echeveria xichuensis Care
Watering and drainage are the two main factors in growing this species.
- Use a pot with a large draining hole
- A succulent potting mix with extra scoria or similar material mixed through to ensure good drainage.
- A little fertiliser when repotting every 2 – 3 years.
- Water from below and allow to drain well or water from above using a squeeze bottle or spouted watering can that allows you to water the soil and not the foliage.
- Provide good air flow to lower humidity.
- Try to keep a minimum temperature of 5C
Propagation
It is possible to propagate this species from seed. You can also propagate Echeveria xichuensis from leaf cuttings as well as by division.
Division is by carried out by removing the offsets or ‘pups’ once they are established.
Echeveria Plants are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
Specialist succulent grower with a large range of Echeveria and other succulent genera, including rare and unusual varieties for the collector.
Online Retail Sales www.succulents-australia-sales.com