Scientific Name
Echeveria gibbiflora DC.
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon gibbiflora, Echeveria campanulata, Echeveria grandifolia, Echeveria grandis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The specific epithet "gibbiflora" (pronounced "gib-bih-FLOR-uh") means "hump-flowered" and refers pointed hump at the base of the petals of this species.
Origin
Echeveria gibbiflora is native to Mexico and Guatemala.
Description
Echeveria gibbiflora is a beautiful succulent that forms short-stemmed rosettes of broad, reddish-green, more or less glaucous leaves. It is one of the largest species in the genus. The stem can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, while the rosettes can reach a diameter of over 16 inches (40 cm). The spoon-shaped leaves can measure up to 8 inches (25 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width.
The flowers are bell-shaped, pentagonal in cross-section, and range in color from glaucous pink to glaucous red, with a yellow interior. They appear in fall through winter on stalks that can grow up to 32 inches (80 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 10b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 40°F (4.4°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 mealybugs. Finally, as with all succulents, maintaining careful watering habits and providing ample light will help ensure success.
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.
Most Echeverias can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, although some are better from seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate a leaf cutting, place the individual leaf in potting soil for succulents and cover the dish until the new plant sprouts.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Cultivars and Hybrids
- Echeveria gibbiflora 'Caronculata'
- Echeveria gibbiflora 'Metallica'
- Echeveria 'Mauna Loa'
- ×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'
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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