Scientific Name
Echeveria compressicaulis Eggli & N. P. Taylor
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
Echeveria compressicaulis is native to Venezuela and is only known from the type locality, 1.5 miles (2 km) before El Morro on a dirt road from Mérida. It grows on rocky hillsides at elevations between 6,725 and 6,890 feet (2,050 and 2,100 m) upon stony ground amongst sparse scrub in the rain shadow of the Pico Bolívar.
Description
Echeveria compressicaulis is a small succulent with sprawling stems and dark brownish-green to purplish-green leaves with irregularly sculptured upper surfaces from impressions left by the younger leaves. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The stems are irregularly compressed and angled by elongated, diamond-shaped, flattened sections around each leaf scar. The leaves are usually diffuse or arranged into a rosette-like cluster towards the stem tips. They are elliptic-ovate, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) wide.
The flowers are bell-shaped, orange-yellow with lighter petal margins, and appear in tall racemose inflorescences that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8b to 10a: from 15 °F (−9.4 °C) to 35 °F (+1.7 °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.
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
