Echeveria colorata in the ground

Credit: Jean-Michel Moullec

Small red Echeveria apex

Credit: Arnoldo Uribe Z.

Echeveria colorata with flowering stem

Credit: Jean-Michel Moullec

Echeveria colorata flowers

Credit: Luis Zavala

Echeveria colorata, a flamboyant succulent

Native to the forests of northern Mexico, Echeveria colorata has given rise to numerous cultivars. But whether you choose the botanical or the horticultural variety, this Crassulaceae will offer you an explosion of color.

How to recognize Echeveria colorata?

Like echeveria shaviana, Echeveria colorata is a succulent plant with a compact habit. It measures up to 40 cm in diameter and is only 20 cm high. Some varieties, such as Echeveria colorata "Mexican Giant", are more imposing, reaching 50 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height.

Echeveria colorata is not acaule. But its short, slender stem disappears beneath the rosette of leaves.

The fleshy leaf blades are almost triangular. The leaves are covered in bloom. This film gives them a waxy appearance. The color of the foliage depends on the variety. In the typical Echeveria colorata, the light green or white blades are enhanced by a hint of red or black at the tip. The foliage of Echeveria "Mexican Giant" is pink at the apex.

In summer, pink and orange flowers add a touch of color to the plant. They bloom on a 30-centimetre flowering spike and last until mid-autumn.

Echeveria colorata is non-toxic. You can enjoy its shades without worry, even if you live with pets or young children.

Our maintenance tips

Echeveria colorata are non-hardy succulents. In most regions, they are grown indoors. But this succulent loves the sun. If you have a garden, a balcony or even a windowsill, put it outside in summer. It will appreciate gradual exposure to natural light. However, keep it out of direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.

Watering

Echeveria colorata plants need copious watering when the soil is completely dry. To know if your plant is thirsty, look at it: when it lacks water, its leaves change appearance. They become hollow, wrinkled or point downwards.

Water with room-temperature water, preferably non-calcareous, until the substrate is saturated with water, then allow the plant to drain before replacing it. Don't forget to drain off any water stagnating at the bottom of the planter or saucer. It could rot the roots.

Spray

Echeveria colorata grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Echeveria colorata to give it more space.

Choose a pierced terracotta pot two or three centimetres larger than the previous one. Place a bed of gravel or clay balls at the bottom to optimize drainage. Fill to within two or three centimetres of the rim with potting soil for cacti and succulents.

Before repotting your Echeveria colorata, clean it: remove dry leaves from the base and wilted flowers. Make a hole in the center of the pot, using your fingers or a pen, and plant your succulent. All roots should be buried.

Press down to remove air bubbles. You can cover the surface with perlite or sand. This will prevent direct contact between substrate and foliage.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Echeveria colorata, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Echeveria colorata can thrive without fertilizer if repotted regularly. But you can still use a cactus and succulent fertilizer to encourage growth.

Prune

Remove wilted flower stems. Cut flush with a clean, sharp tool (scissors, pruning shears, etc.), taking care not to damage the leaves.

Plantation

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.

Select a sunny location. If possible, choose a slope or embankment: water will run off more easily and roots will be less likely to rot.

Dig a hole the size of the root ball. Plant your Echeveria colorata in the middle. Fill with a mixture of potting soil and sand. Pack by hand and water to eliminate air pockets.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take advantage of the annual repotting to remove the shoots that form on the outside of the plant. If necessary, separate them with pruning shears or a clean, sharp knife.

Choose a pierced pot suited to the size of your cuttings. Choose a terracotta model. This material promotes uniform drying of the soil and reduces the risk of root rot.

Line the bottom with a bed of clay balls or gravel. Then pour in a substrate made up of equal parts potting soil, garden soil and sand. Plant your cutting and tamp it down. You can add a layer of sand to the surface.

Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. The temperature should be at least 18 degrees.

Disease / Threat

Mealybug, accompanied by ants for its honeydew.

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Crassulaceae - Crassulaceae
Type	Echeveria - Echeveria
Species	Echeveria colorata - Echeveria colorata
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots Planter
Category	Succulent
Tags	Beginner Increvable
Origin	Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	10a
Leaf color
Flower colors