Echeveria 'Bess Bates'

Scientific Name

Echeveria 'Bess Bates'

Synonym(s)

Echeveria 'Black Prince Variegated'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

Echeveria 'Bess Bates' is a variegated form 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-shaped flowers are dark red and appear on tall stalks in late fall and early winter.

How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Bess Bates'

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

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 mealybugs. Finally, as with all succulents, maintaining careful watering habits and providing ample 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 propagated 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.