Scientific Name
Echeveria colorata 'Mexican Giant'
Common Name(s)
Mexican Giant Echeveria
Synonym(s)
Echeveria 'Mexican Giant'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Description
Echeveria colorata 'Mexican Giant' is a beautiful slow-growing succulent that forms a stemless, usually solitary rosette of upright, arching, lance-shaped leaves. The rosette grows up to 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter. Its leaves are thick, fleshy leaves and covered with a powdery-white waxy coating, giving it a very attractive look. The older leaves often have a blush of pink.
The flowers are salmon to orange with a yellow interior and appear on up to 20 inches (50 cm) long stems in spring.
Origin
According to Myron Kimnach (1922-2018), this selected plant is closely related to Echeveria colorata f. brandtii. He suggested that it be listed as Echeveria colorata 'Mexican Giant', as it was the first name published with a description in 1997/98 by Max Holmes of Stranthalbyn, South Australia.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Most of the 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. As with all succulents, careful watering habits and plenty of light will help ensure success.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
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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