Scientific Name
Echeveria setosa var. minor Moran
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
The native range of this variety is Mexico. It occurs in Sierra Mixteca near Tepelmeme Villa de Morelos in Oaxaca.
Description
Echeveria setosa var. minor is a cute succulent that forms small rosettes of crowded, pale blue to blue-green leaves with soft white hairs. The rosettes grow up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter, giving out offsets from the base. Leaves are spatulate or oblanceolate, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. Flowers are bell-shaped, red at the base, yellow at the tip, and appear in clusters on usually unbranched stems with small bract-like bristly leaves in late spring.
Etymology
The varietal epithet "minor (MY-nor)" is a Latin adjective, meaning "less, lesser, inferior, smaller," and refers to the size of the variety, which is smaller compared to its closest relatives.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria setosa var. minor
Light: E. setosa var. minor prefers full sun to partial shade. If you are moving your plant outside in the spring, do it gradually. The intense afternoon sun can cause sunburn. During the winter, when your E. setosa var. minor is inside, put it near the brightest window in your home. It will stretch if it does not have enough sunlight.
Soil: This succulent needs a potting soil mix that drains quickly. Many growers will create their own mix. However, commercial succulent potting mixes will work fine.
Temperature: This plant is a tender succulent, which means it must be brought indoors for the winter to survive. E. setosa var. minor can withstand temperatures as low as 25 °F (-3.9 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: Provide moderate amounts of water from spring to fall. The "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for watering E. setosa var. minor. If you have saucers under the pots, make sure after a short time to empty the water. Water your plant just enough to keep it from shriveling during the winter months.
Fertilizing: E. setosa var. minor grows well without fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring or a liquid fertilizer diluted 2 to 4 times more than usual and used less often than recommended.
Repotting: Repot the plant only as needed during spring or early summer when it is actively growing. To repot your E. setosa var. minor, ensure the soil is dry before repotting.
Propagation: Like most Echeverias, this succulent is usually propagated from leaves or offsets. Spring is the best time to take leaf cuttings and separate offsets.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria setosa var. minor
E. setosa var. minor has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans, although it is not advisable to eat it.
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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