Scientific Name
Echeveria longissima E.Walther
Synonym(s)
Echeveria longissima subsp. longissima
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
Echeveria longissima is native to Mexico (Oaxaca and Puebla). It grows on hillsides on rocky outcroppings at elevations between 6,560 and 8,200 feet (2,000 and 2,500 m).
Description
Echeveria longissima is a beautiful succulent that forms a short-stemmed rosette of green leaves with red margins. The stem is erect, almost always unbranched, and can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. The rosettes are flat and can reach up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter. The leaves are broadly obovate, measuring up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. Under intense light, they will take on more of the red coloring.
The flowers are urn-shaped and can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. They are green near the tips of the petals but otherwise orange and appear on leafy inflorescences with 1 to 3 cincinni in spring. The inflorescences can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
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 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, 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.
Varieties
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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