Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' is a hybrid that results from a cross between Echeveria purpusorum and unknown Echeveria. The hybrid name "Belle Etoile" means "beautiful star" in French and refers to the shape of the rosette.
Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Belle Etoile'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' is a hybrid named by Jean-Michel Moullec of The Exotic and Botanical Garden of Roscoff in Brittany, France.
Description
Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' is an attractive succulent that forms a usually solitary, star-like rosette of green, pointed leaves adorned with darker or reddish-brown spots. Occasionally, it may produce very few offsets at the base. The rosette can grow up to 3.4 inches (8.5 cm) in diameter, developing a short stem as it ages, which can reach up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The leaves are pink at the base and reddish on the upper surface. They are convex on the underside and slightly convex on top, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) wide, and 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) thick.
From late spring to early summer, Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' produces bell-shaped flowers on long slender stalks with some green and reddish bracts, mainly at the tip. The flowers have unequal green sepals and pink petals that are yellow at the upper part.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Belle Etoile'
Light: Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. If you move the plant outside in spring, gradually avoid exposure to intense afternoon sun.
Soil: Having soil that drains quickly is most important for growing a healthy succulent. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial soil mixes for succulents will work fine.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' is a tender succulent and must be brought indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: This plant prefers the "soak and dry" method during the growing season. Water deeply and then let the soil completely dry out before watering again. Water sparingly during the winter, only enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Above all, if you have a saucer under the pot, do not forget to empty the excess water.
Fertilizing: Although it can grow well without fertilizer, Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' may benefit from extra nutrients. Feed only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: If growing it in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer, but ensure the soil is dry before you start. Also, always use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' can be propagated by leaves or offsets during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Belle Etoile'
Echeveria 'Belle Etoile' has no reported toxic effects and is safe for growing around children and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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