Scientific Name
Echeveria leucotricha J.A.Purpus
Common Name(s)
Chenille Plant
Synonym(s)
Echeveria pulvinata var. leucotricha
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The specific epithet "leucotricha" (pronounced "loo-koh-TRY-kuh") means "white-haired" and refers to the leaves of this species, which are covered with white hairs.
Origin
Echeveria leucotricha is native to Mexico (Puebla).
Description
Echeveria leucotricha, also known as Echeveria pulvinata var. leucotricha, is a small succulent shrub with short stems that support rosettes of densely hairy leaves. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The leaves are green and covered with white hairs, with brown hairs at the tips. They are oblanceolate, upcurved, and end in a short, sharp point, measuring up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The red, bell-shaped flowers appear in fall and winter on ascending, spike-like, or sub-paniculate inflorescences that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long.
In 1914, Joseph Anton Purpus classified Echeveria leucotricha as a separate species due to its differences from Echeveria pulvinata. However, in 2017, Myron Kimnach reclassified it as a variety of Echeveria pulvinata. The International Crassulaceae Network notes that this reclassification is not comprehensible, as the two species have very different chromosome numbers: Echeveria leucotricha has n = 38, while Echeveria pulvinata has n = 23.
Hybrids of Echeveria leucotricha
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria leucotricha
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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. 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 a few are better propagated 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.
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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