Scientific Name
Echeveria gigantea Rose & Purpus
Common Name(s)
Giant Hens and Chicks
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
This species is native to Mexico (Puebla, Oaxaca).
Description
Echeveria gigantea is a succulent plant with an unbranched stem crowned by a large rosette of light green, slightly glaucous leaves with bright red margins. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Leaves are spoon-shaped with slightly wavy apex, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, and up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The older leaves flush purple to pink.
Flowers are pinkish, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, and appear in clusters on erect, up to 6.6 foot (2 m) tall stalks from late fall to early winter.
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.
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.
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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Hybrids
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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