Echeveria elegans
Dr J N Rose, Eric Walther.
Occurrence: Mexico (Hidalgo: Penas de Jacal,
near Paqchuca) and in other mountainous locations.
A variable species sometimes E perelegans, E elegans var.,simulans, tuxpanensis
and other variations.
This plant has a main leaf rosette up to 15 cm Ø and branches from the base
with a few small offsets from leaf axils. The thick leaves are an attractive
greenish blue glaucous, tinged a pink purple in the winter,
margins transparent.
Flowering time is during Spring/Summer in the Northern hemisphere.
CULTIVATION:
Fairly easy in normal C&S compost with some added slow release fertiliser.
In the growing season growth is fairly rapid so repot when the plant outgrows
it's container. The basal branches trail and root eventually form a dense
mat. In warmer parts of the world it can be used as bedding in parks where
it can make a year round decorative display. In colder areas the plants must
be taken up in a heated glasshouse.
In the winter, conditions should be just enough water to stop drying out at
a temperature of 4/6ºC, and good air circulation and maximum light is essential.
PROPAGATION:
Fairly easy in Spring and early Summer by leaf cuttings, offsets and branches.
The flowering stem technique is probably
not successful with the inflorescence stems produced by this plant.
I have not tried raising from seed, it is a possibility, but is not really
worthwhile as so many other options are available.
