Echeveria chihuahuaensis, commonly known as Cat's Claw or Cat's Paw, is a popular, low-maintenance succulent native to the semi-arid, rocky slopes of northern Mexico. This plant forms tight, compact rosettes of leaves with distinctly pointed tips that turn a vibrant rose-red in bright sunlight.
Taxonomy of Echeveria chihuahuaensis
Scientific Name
Echeveria chihuahuaensis Poelln.
Common Name(s)
Cat's Claw, Cat's Paw
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 specific epithet "chihuahuaensis" (pronounced "chee-wah-wah-EN-sis"), often misspelled "chihuahuensis," means "of or from Chihuahua" and refers to the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where this species was first discovered in 1906, in the Colorado River valley.
Description
Echeveria chihuahuaensis is a beautiful succulent that resembles a smaller version of the related Echeveria colorata. It forms a tighter, shorter rosette with smaller, more scalloped leaves with a more pronounced tip. The rosette can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. A few forms have varying degrees of rose-red edging on the bluish-gray leaves. Some clones offset freely, while others do not produce offsets.
The flowers are coral-pink with a yellow interior and appear on pinkish, lightly branched stalks that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall.
Origin
Echeveria chihuahuaensis is native to Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango).
Hybrids of Echeveria chihuahuaensis
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria chihuahuaensis
Light: Echeveria chihuahuaensis 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 also work well.
Temperature: While Echeveria chihuahuaensis 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 9b-11b, which have average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25°F to 50°F (-3.9°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 chihuahuaensis 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: Echeveria chihuahuaensis is typically propagated from leaves or offsets, if they are available. Alternatively, you can also grow it from seeds. The ideal time to take cuttings or remove offsets is in spring, while spring or summer is the best time to sow seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria chihuahuaensis
Echeveria chihuahuaensis 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.