Scientific Name
Echeveria laui Moran & J.Meyrán
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The specific epithet "laui (LAU-eye)" honors Alfred Bernhard Lau (1928-2007), a German missionary in Mexico, author, explorer, and collector of cacti and other succulent plants and seeds.
Origin
Echeveria laui is native to Mexico (Oaxaca).
Description
Echeveria laui is a gorgeous succulent that forms a short-stemmed rosette of white or sometimes pinkish, strongly glaucous leaves. It is one of the most attractive Echeverias. The rosette slowly grows and can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, rarely producing offsets. The stem can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter and is covered below with persistent dry leaves.
The red flowers appear in arching clusters on branched stalks with 5 to 7 bracts in summer. The flower stalks can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. The flower stalks, bracts, sepals, and flowers also have a thick, white, powdery coating.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 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 mealybugs. 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, 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.
Hybrids
- Echeveria 'Ariel'
- Echeveria 'Bambino'
- Echeveria 'Caly Argentea'
- Echeveria 'Exotic'
- Echeveria 'Gila'
- Echeveria 'Hakuhou'
- Echeveria 'Laulindsa'
- Echeveria 'Laulindsayana'
- Echeveria 'Moondust'
- Echeveria 'Mont Blanc'
- Echeveria 'Pink Champagne'
- Echeveria 'Snow Shower'
- ×Graptoveria 'Snow Peach'
- ×Sedeveria 'Maxwell'
- ×Taciveria 'Belana'
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.
