Although some say this plant is Echeveria setosa var. minor, it is obviously a hybrid. Echeveria setosa var. minor has smaller rosettes with more hairy and crowded leaves than Echeveria 'Comet'.
Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Comet'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
Echeveria 'Comet' is a hybrid possibly resulting from a cross between Echeveria setosa var. minor and Echeveria unguiculata.
Description
Echeveria 'Comet' is a beautiful small succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy, pointed, and hairy leaves. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 3.6 inches (9 cm). The leaves are gray-green to blue-green, sometimes with pink or purple hues.
In late spring, this plant produces red bell-shaped flowers with yellow tips. The flowers appear in clusters on stalks that are usually unbranched and have small, bract-like, bristly leaves.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Comet'
Light: Echeveria 'Comet' requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. In addition, if you are moving the plant outside in spring, do it gradually and avoid exposure to intense afternoon sun.
Soil: Having soil that drains quickly is most important for growing a healthy succulent. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial soil for succulents will work fine.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but Echeveria 'Comet' is a tender succulent and must be brought indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: During the growing season, the "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for this plant. Water deeply and then let the soil completely dry out before watering again. Water sparingly during the winter, only enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Above all, if you have a saucer under the pot, do not forget to empty the excess water.
Fertilizing: Although it can grow well without fertilizer, the plant may benefit from extra nutrients. Feed only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: If growing it in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer, but ensure the soil is dry before you start. Also, always use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Echeveria 'Comet' can be propagated by leaves or offsets in the spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Comet'
Echeveria 'Comet' has no reported toxic effects and is safe for growing around children and pets.
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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