Scientific Name
Echeveria calderoniae E. Perez-Calix
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The specific epithet "calderoniae" (pronounced "kal-deh-roh-NEE-ey") honors Graciela Calderón Díaz Barriga (1931-2022), a Mexican botanist and professor who was known for her work on neotropical flora.
Origin
Echeveria calderoniae is native to Mexico. It is only known from the type locality near Santa Barbara in Guanajuato.
Description
Echeveria calderoniae is a small succulent that forms nearly stemless rosettes of green leaves with a reddish apex, which becomes redder with age. The rosettes can grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter and produce offsets, forming a dense clump over time. The leaves are narrow, pointed, and can measure up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 0.35 inches (0.9 cm) wide.
The reddish or orange, yellow-tipped flowers make a bright display above the green foliage. They usually appear arranged in cincinni, curved inflorescences characteristic of many Echeverias.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria calderoniae
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°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 mealy bugs. Finally, as with all succulents, careful watering habits and plenty of light will help ensure success.
Most Echeveria can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, although a few are better propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate a leaf cutting, place the individual leaf in a succulent or cacti mix and cover the dish until the new plant sprouts.
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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
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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