Echeveria 'Bess Bates'

Scientific Name

Echeveria 'Bess Bates'

Synonym(s)

Echeveria 'Black Prince Variegata'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria

Origin

Echeveria 'Bess Bates' is a variegated sport of Echeveria 'Black Prince'.

Description

Echeveria 'Bess Bates' is an attractive, slow-growing succulent that forms clumps of short-stemmed rosettes of deep burgundy to nearly black leaves with irregular, yellow to orange-yellow markings. The rosettes can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.

The bell-shade flowers are dark red and appear on tall stalks in late fall and early winter.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Most common Echeveria species are not complicated succulents to grow, provided you follow a few basic rules. First, be careful never to let water sit in the rosette as it can cause rot or fungal diseases that will kill the plant. Additionally, remove dead leaves from the bottom of the plant as it grows. These dead leaves provide a haven for pests, and Echeverias are susceptible to mealy bugs. Finally, as with all succulents, careful watering habits and plenty of light will help ensure success.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide.

Most Echeverias can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, although some are better from seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate a leaf cutting, place the individual leaf in potting soil for succulents and cover the dish until the new plant sprouts.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.