Echeveria albicans (Whitening Echeveria)

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.

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 isn't 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.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Mexican Snowball (Echeveria elegans).

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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