Types of Echeveria Succulent Species

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.

This 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.

Interestingly, Echeveria amoena can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, adapting its coloration based on the exposure to light. Regular watering is essential, but be cautious of overwatering as it can lead to root rot.

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.

One fascinating aspect of Echeveria agavoides is its ability to produce offsets, or "pups," that can be separated and planted to grow new plants. This makes it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts looking to expand their collection. Regular removal of dead leaves around the base is recommended to prevent pest infestations.

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.

Interestingly, Echeveria cante is known for its resilience to drought, making it an excellent choice for water-conscious gardeners. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal fertilization, usually only during its active growing season in spring and summer. Care should be taken to avoid water pooling on the leaves to prevent rot.

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.

This species is particularly valued for its ability to form dense mats of rosettes, creating a stunning ground cover. Echeveria elegans prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be protected from frost. Its adaptability to different lighting conditions makes it suitable for indoor cultivation as well.

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 pictured in the photo below is noted for its leaves that are so dark, they can appear black. This tint can range 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 you think a darker variety of echeveria might suit your home, you can use the link below to price the black prince:

[ltmbox id="uBMsPIWG" label="Buy Echeveria black prince succulent"]

This type of echeveria is known for its slow growth, making it a low-maintenance option for those who prefer plants that don't require frequent repotting. It's important to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

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:

[ltmbox id="LoDizQdy" label="Buy Mexican firecracker echeveria plant"]

Despite its striking appearance, Echeveria setosa is surprisingly easy to care for. It thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from regular exposure to light, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. However, care should be taken when handling the plant due to its irritating glochids.

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.

Because of its size, Echeveria gigantea makes a bold statement in any garden or container. It requires ample space to fully develop its impressive rosettes and should be positioned in a location where it receives plenty of sunlight. This plant is also drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering during its dormant period in winter.

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.

The plush plant is especially popular for its tactile leaves, which are not only visually appealing but also soft to the touch. It's best grown in containers where its unique texture can be appreciated up close. Regular pruning of spent flowers will encourage further blooming, enhancing its ornamental value.

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.

Due to its exquisite appearance, Echeveria laui is highly sought after by collectors. However, it's important to handle this plant with care, as the farina can be easily rubbed off, affecting its distinctive look. It thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, making sure to avoid excessive humidity to maintain its health.

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.

The dense hair on Echeveria leucotricha not only gives it a unique aesthetic but also provides protection from harsh sunlight, allowing it to thrive in bright conditions. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small spaces or as part of a succulent arrangement. Regular grooming of dead leaves will keep the plant healthy and attractive.

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.

Because of its unique characteristics, Echeveria 'Etna' is a conversation starter in any collection. It requires ample space to accommodate its large rosettes and benefits from regular sunlight exposure. While it is a resilient plant, care should be taken to protect it from extreme temperatures to ensure its longevity.

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