Scientific Name
Echeveria albicans Walther
Accepted Scientific Name
Echeveria elegans Rose
Common Names
Whitening Echeveria
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Echeveria
Description
Echeveria albicans is one of the variations of Echeveria elegans. It is an attractive, clump-forming succulent, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall, with densely packed, silvery-white rosettes. The leaves are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The flowers are pink with yellow or greenish tips and appear on up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall stems.
Photo via succulents-australia-sales.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Find a spot with full sun or partial sun. It may handle some shade, but shouldn't be kept completely in the shade. If you choose to grow it as a houseplant, keep it near a window that gets direct sunlight during a good portion of the day.
While the plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, it is recommended for USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b. Mexican Snowball can tolerate the cold better than most Echeverias. However, you should take your Mexican Snowball indoors if you expect a harsh winter.
Watering is not a major requirement with this drought-tolerant succulent. During the summer, you may need to water it once per week. During the winter, you may barely need to sprinkle the pot or ground with water. Provide just enough water to keep leaves from shriveling. However, you don't want the plant to frequently get completely dried out. Keep an eye on the soil and the leaves. If the leaves start to develop spots or appear thinner, you may not be giving the plant enough water.
Origin
Echeveria albicans is so close to Echeveria elegans that it do not represents distinct species but only variations of a variable species.
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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