Scientific Name
Echeveria strictiflora A.Gray
Common Name(s)
Desert Savior
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon strictiflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The specific epithet "strictiflora (strik-tee-FLOR-uh)" means "having straight flowers" and refers to the petals that are nearly straight at the tips.
Origin
Echeveria strictiflora is native to the United States (southwestern Texas) and Mexico (Chihuahuan Desert).
Description
Echeveria strictiflora is a succulent plant that forms stemless or very short-stemmed rosettes of grey-green to brownish-green leaves with or without red margins. It is quite variable in the size, shape, and color of the leaves and less variable in the color of the flowers. The rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The leaves are narrowed to the base and pointed at the tips, measuring up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
The flowers appear on arching, usually unbranched stalks that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall in summer. They are rose red near the base, yellowish-red above, and orange inside.
This species is the only Echeveria native to the United States.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria strictiflora
Soil: Echeverias need a potting soil mix that drains quickly. Many growers will create their own mix. However, commercial cactus and succulent potting soil will work fine.
Light: These succulents prefer full sun to partial shade. However, avoid drastic sunlight changes and full afternoon sun, especially in summer. During the winter, when your succulents are inside, put them near the brightest window in your home.
Hardiness: Echeveria strictiflora can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: When and how to water is crucial to Echeveria care. They do not like to be kept too wet, but they also do not like to be kept too dry. Therefore, the "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for watering Echeverias.
Fertilizing: Echeverias grow well without fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients.
Repotting: Repot when needed in the spring or early summer.
Propagation: Echeverias are one of the easiest succulents to propagate. They are usually propagated from offsets or leaves but can also be grown from stem cuttings and seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria strictiflora
Echeverias are safe around pets and humans, although it is not advisable to eat them.
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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