Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Rain Drops'
Common Name(s)
Raindrops Echeveria
Synonym(s)
Echeveria 'Raindrops'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Description
Echeveria 'Rain Drops' is a small succulent that forms rosettes of rounded pale green leaves. The rosettes grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. They are usually solitary but may form a few offsets. Leaves have pale reddish margins and a spherical, blue-green bump in the middle of each leaf toward the tip that develops with age. Young plants often do not exhibit this trait. These bumps, similar to a water droplet, are what give this unique succulent its name.
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. 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 a few 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.
Origin
This succulent is a Dick Wright hybrid, noted as the smallest of the bumpy-leafed Echeverias. Unfortunately, according to Jocelyn Ainsworth, in the years, Dick Wright distributed several more or less resembling seedlings from the same batch as E. 'Rain Drops'. Those that are rather similar may be called E. 'Rain Drops', two fairly different forms have been given new names: Echeveria 'New Heights' and Echeveria 'Heart's Delight'. The hybrid has also been tissue-cultured.
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
