Echeveria 'Christmas'

Scientific Name

Echeveria 'Christmas'

Synonym(s)

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

Echeveria 'Christmas' is a hybrid that results from a cross between Echeveria pulidonis and unknown Echeveria. While it is often listed as a cultivar of Echeveria agavoides or as a hybrid between Echeveria agavoides and Echeveria pulidonis, there is no visible influence of Echeveria agavoides in the plant's appearance or characteristics.

Description

Echeveria 'Christmas' is a beautiful succulent that forms compact rosettes of fleshy, apple-green leaves with a strong reddish tinge near the edges and a darker red terminal spine. The rosettes can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The leaves are thinner than those of Echeveria pulidonis.

The yellow flowers are bell-shaped and appear on slender, arching stalks that can reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, usually in summer.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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.

Most Echeveria can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, although a few are better 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.

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