Echeveria 'Bess Bates' is a slow-growing variegated cultivar of the popular Echeveria 'Black Prince.' It is highly valued for its striking, irregular stripes of yellow to orange-yellow, which contrast beautifully with its dark foliage. Unlike its parent plant, Echeveria 'Bess Bates' grows noticeably slower because the reduced chlorophyll in its variegated sections slows growth.
Taxonomy of Echeveria 'Bess Bates'
Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Bess Bates'
Synonym(s)
Echeveria 'Black Prince' (variegated)
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The generic name "Echeveria" (pronounced "ech-eh-VER-ee-a") honors Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy🡕 (fl. 1771–1803), an 18th-century botanical artist and naturalist from New Spain who trained at the Royal Art Academy in Mexico City.
The cultivar epithet 'Bess Bates' appears to be a commemorative personal name, although the person honored and the circumstances of the naming remain undocumented.
Description
Echeveria 'Bess Bates' is an attractive, slow-growing succulent that forms 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 and form a dense clump over time.
Dark red, bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stalks in late fall and early winter.
Origin
Echeveria 'Bess Bates' is a variegated form of Echeveria 'Black Prince'.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Bess Bates'
Light: Echeveria 'Bess Bates' thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place it near the brightest window in your home. If you plan to move the plant outdoors in the spring, do so gradually to avoid exposing it to intense afternoon sunlight.
Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial for this succulent's healthy growth. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercially available succulent mixes are also suitable.
Temperature: While Echeveria 'Bess Bates' can tolerate heat, intense sunlight and high temperatures may cause damage, especially with insufficient air circulation. Bring this tender succulent indoors if freezing temperatures are possible. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a-11b, which have average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: This plant prefers the "soak and dry" method during the growing season. Water deeply, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In winter, water sparingly, just enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Above all, if you have a saucer under the pot, empty the excess water.
Fertilizing: Although Echeveria 'Bess Bates' can grow well without fertilizer, it may benefit from extra nutrients. If you choose to fertilize, do so only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: If you are growing this plant in a container, repot it as needed in spring or early summer. Ensure the soil is dry before repotting and always use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: You can propagate Echeveria 'Bess Bates' by leaves or offsets during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Bess Bates'
Echeveria 'Bess Bates' has no reported toxic effects and is safe for growing around children and pets.
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Echeveria.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.