Decorative plants

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species

 
Ulla Rothschuh Osorio
By Ulla Rothschuh Osorio, Biologist. July 3, 2023
Types of Echeveria Succulent Species

The main types of Echeveria are Echeveria amoena, Echeveria agavoides, Echeveria cante, Echeveria elegans, Echeveria affinis, Echeveria setosa, Echeveria gigantea, Echeveria pulvinata, Echeveria laui, Echeveria leucotricha and Echeveria 'Etna'.

Echeveria is a genus of succulent plants belonging to the Crassulaceae family. They are native to arid ecosystems in Mexico. Their leaves are adapted to retain water within them so they can maintain reserves during prolonged periods of drought. Although known for their distinctly shaped leaves, they are also a flowering plant. This can make them even more desirable as an ornamental plant in the home. Discover more with thedailyECO and our guide to 11 types of echeveria succulent species with photos.

Contents
  1. Echeveria amoena
  2. Echeveria agavoides
  3. Echeveria cante
  4. Echeveria elegans
  5. Echeveria affinis
  6. Echeveria setosa
  7. Echeveria gigantea
  8. Echeveria pulvinata
  9. Echeveria laui
  10. Echeveria leucotricha
  11. Echeveria 'Etna'
See more >>

Echeveria amoena

All types of echeveria succulent have a leave pattern which is in the form of rosettes. This means they form concentric shapes made up of individual leaves which are often triangular in shape, giving them a particular beauty. The rosettes of Echeveria amoena are small, but the individual leaves are plump and diamond shaped. The blue/green of these leaves appear to be almost turquoise, although they develop a pink tint when left in the shade.

Theis type of succulent plant is covered by farina. Also called epicuticular wax, it is a white powder that protects them against extreme weather conditions. The flowers that it develops are yellow with coral. They are relatively durable, lasting up to a month in bloom.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria amoena

Echeveria agavoides

Not all types of echeveria have a known common name, but this one is also known as the lipstick echeveria. Similar to the agave plant, the leaves are geometric with the tips that extend outwards more than some other types of echeveria. They are waxy with a very shiny appearance and the tips can be reddish, as seen in the photo below. There are many varieties and hybrids which make use of this characteristic to heighten the red coloration. It produces red with yellow flowers.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria agavoides

Echeveria cante

Known as the white cloud plant, this species of echeveria is so-called due to its white leaves which have a pinkish tint in certain areas. This color is partly due to the farina, as well as the natural pastel color of the plant. The flowers are usually pink and coral. The leaves are a flattened diamond-shaped with upward-projecting tips. The rosette in this echeveria is slightly closed.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria cante

Echeveria elegans

Commonly known as the Mexican snowball, the Echeveria elegans is one of the most popular and common of the genus. It produces closed rosettes with leaves facing a little inward, giving it the snowball shape. It is also found under the name God's throne or white Mexican rose. They are small and form colonies of several rosettes. The leaves are turquoise in color with farina that gives it a whitish glow. The margin is slightly translucent. The flowers are pink with coral.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria elegans

Echeveria affinis

While most of the different types of echeveria succulent we have named so far are light in color, there are darker varieties as well. Sometimes known as the black prince or simply black echeveria, Echeveria affinis pcitured in the photo below is noted for its leaves that are so dark, they can appear black. This tint can ranger in color, although it usually has a green center. It doesn't tend to be a plant with black flowers as these are usually red.

The tint of the black prince can be in a range from purple to brown to black. The rosette of this echeveria species has pointed leaves which grown slightly upward. If think a darker variety of echeveria might suit your home, you can use the link below to price the black prince:

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria affinis

Echeveria setosa

More commonly known as the Mexican firecracker, this variety of echeveria succulent is noted for its relatively long, erect hairs. When viewed against the light, these give the boundaries of the leaves a whitish tinge. These hairs are known as glochids. Despite giving them an additional appeal as a type of ornamental plant, they can cause irritation when touched.

In addition to its whitish appearance, the flowers are red with yellow tips. The rosette is bowl-shaped, sunken in the center and has the ends surrounding it. The leaves are small and numerous. Sometimes they can be found with red margins. Price this type of echeveria succulent for yourself with the link below:

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria setosa

Echeveria gigantea

The largest type of echeveria succulent is the Echeveria gigantea, commonly known as the giant hens and chicks plant. It measure up to 24" (60 cm) in diameter. The leaves are equally large and round in shape. They have less leaves than other species of echeveria, but their large size takes up more space. It does mean the rosette is less distinctive.

The giant hens and chicks plant is turquoise green with slight pink tints. It is covered by some farina and it forms individual rosettes. The flowers are coral in color and have a turquoise sepal. They have a pink floral stem which can grow up to 35" (90 cm) in height.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria gigantea

Echeveria pulvinata

Similar to the Mexican firecracker, the leaves are elongated and covered by fine short white hairs. They give it a velvety appearance which is why they are known as a plush plant. As these leaves are thin at the base, the stem is often visible, unlike others of the genus. The flowers are yellow with orange. They form colonies of several rosettes, and usually grow upwards to a maximum of 12" (30 cm) in height.

Learn about the difference between succulents and cacti in our related article.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria pulvinata

Echeveria laui

Known commonly as la roseta, many classify this type of echeveria succulent as the most beautiful of all. This is due to its gray to light blue color covered by very abundant white farina. This combination gives it a unique hue. Its flowers are pink and yellow. The leaves are rounded and end in a small point.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria laui

Echeveria leucotricha

Rather than being a different species of echeveria to Echeveria pulvinata, the leucotricha is a variation of the same species. It differs from the former due to the greater presence of hairs which make it look like it is covered in the fur of an animal. The rosettes grow by stacking several leaves, reaching a height of 4" (10 cm). Each leaf is diamond shaped, opening like a flower. The tips usually have a small brown section. The flowers are red in color.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria leucotricha

Echeveria 'Etna'

Hybrids in this genus are frequent, an example is this resulting from the combination of Echeveria 'Mauna Loa' and Echeveria 'Barbillion', known as Echeveria 'Etna' . Its appearance is very peculiar due to its mature leaves that fall downwards and develop caruncles which are fleshy growths full of bumps. They look like an erupting volcano, hence the name of this type of echeveria. This is because of the Italian volcano Etna.

As shown in the photo below, its leaves retain the characteristic hues of echeveria succulents. It exhibits a palette of pastel colors ranging from pink, blue, turquoise and sometimes even dark purple. All these colors appear on a single leaf. The rosette grows up to 2 meters in diameter, under a large, thick stem.

Discover plants you can care for at home from a different genus with our article on the different types of monstera plants.

Types of Echeveria Succulent Species - Echeveria 'Etna'

If you want to read similar articles to Types of Echeveria Succulent Species, we recommend you visit our Decorative plants category.

Bibliography
  • Allaway, Z., & Bailey, F. (2019). Practical Cactus and Succulent Book: How to Choose, Nurture, and Display 200 Cacti and Succulents. United States: DK Publishing.

  • Sterman, N. (2018). Hot Color, Dry Garden: Inspiring Designs and Vibrant Plants for the Waterwise Gardener. United States: Timber Press.
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Types of Echeveria Succulent Species