Echeveria Elegans, also known as Mexican Snowball, Mexican Gem, or White Mexican Rose is a stemless echeveria producing symmetrical rosettes of neat, fleshy leaves. It forms compact rosettes that are spoon shaped. It mainly forms pink or red flowers from late winter to mid-summer. It is native to semi-desert habitats in Mexico. This species is prevalent among the collectors and in gardens. These plants need bright full to partial sun light in order to maintain its beautiful color and form.
The Echeveria Elegans has earned the Award of Merit from the Horticultural Society for its easy to care characteristics as well as being a hardy plant. It is a great choice for as ground cover, as we as green roofs and pots. This succulent plant grows up to 8 inch tall and 12 inch wide. It is a great option for a low maintenance plant.
- HOW TO WATER ECHEVERIA ELEGANS (Mexican Snowball)
- LIGHTING AND TEMPERATURE NEEDS FOR ECHEVERIA ELEGANS (MEXICAN SNOWBALL)
- SOIL NEEDS FOR ECHEVERIA ELEGANS (MEXICAN SNOWBALL)
- FERTILIZER FOR ECHEVERIA ELEGANS (MEXICAN SNOWBALL)
- How to Propagate Echeveria Elegans
- Frequently asked questions
- Question: What are some common names for the Echeveria Elegans plant?
- Question: How tall does the Echeveria Elegans grow?
- Question: Where is the Echeveria Elegans native to?
- Question: Is the Echeveria Elegans plant poisonous to humans and pets?
- Question: What kind of sunlight does the Echeveria Elegans plant require?
- Question: What kind of soil drainage does the Echeveria Elegans require?
- Question: When should you re-pot the Echeveria Elegans plant?
HOW TO WATER ECHEVERIA ELEGANS (Mexican Snowball)
As the Echeveria Elegans belongs to the succulent family, you need to water in a bit different way than the normal plants. Because their water needs are different, the best approach is to use the “soak and dry” method. As such, should let the soil soak and then let it dry afterwards with good soil drainage. It is very important to have the right kind of succulent pot so the water can drain properly. Note that Echeveria Elegans do not like to be over watered. An over watered succulent plant will be soft and mushy. Err on the side of less watering than more watering. Based on the location, you should water once or twice a month.
- Water the Echeveria Elegans succulent plant so it the water reaches the bottom layer of the soil and drains properly.
- Once it reaches the bottom layer stop watering. Make sure the Echeveria Elegans has a proper soil so it drains properly.
- In summer the plant will require water more frequently than the winter..
- The plant is also considered to be dormant during the winter so it requires only a small amount of water.
LIGHTING AND TEMPERATURE NEEDS FOR ECHEVERIA ELEGANS (MEXICAN SNOWBALL)
These plants are initially from Central America. So, they are not used to the cold and will destroy in freezing temperatures.
These plants like full sun but you should avoid the following points
- Drastic sunlight changes
- Summer afternoon full sun
Dramatic changes in lighting may stress them out. If you are transferring the plants outside in the spring season, do it gradually. Intense afternoon sun can burn these plant’s leaves. These leaves will not be healed, and since these plants keep their leaves for a longer duration, it may appear burned for a longer duration.
During the winter, when Echeveria is inside, place them close to the brightest window in your home.
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SOIL NEEDS FOR ECHEVERIA ELEGANS (MEXICAN SNOWBALL)
Just like all succulents, these plants also require soil that drains instantly. It aids in preventing moisture from rotting the roots. Numerous gardeners will produce a specific combination of soil and perlite. A good quality potting soil or a cactus mixture will be perfect. According to rule, when you suppress a moist soil together, it must crumble apart again when you release it.
Many people recommend the “sandy” in the soil for succulents. It means that the soil requires draining well. If you add sand to your soil, ensure that it is coarse-grained. Fine sand will be clogged the air pockets in the soil.
FERTILIZER FOR ECHEVERIA ELEGANS (MEXICAN SNOWBALL)
Utilize a fertilizer that has a slow-releasing rate at the start of spring. You can also use liquid fertilizer diluted 3-4 times more than average. You may utilize a low nitrogen mixture or a cactus fertilizer. Ideally feed every 2 weeks from spring through fall.
How to Propagate Echeveria Elegans
They are one of the simplest succulents for propagation. Echeverias are typically propagated from the offsets or leaves, but you can also grow them from seed or stem cuttings.
Offsets
Echeverias sometimes, self propagate via offsets nestled from the mother rosette. They are ready to pull apart and grow. You should pull the small rosette away and replant this in potting soil.
Leaves
You can quickly grow these succulents from leaf cuttings. For the propagation of leaf-cutting, lightly twist the leaf from the stem. Permit the leaf to callus over for several days before putting it in drained soil. You should take at least two leaves as not each leaf you want to propagate will develop to a new plant.
Stem Cuttings
Another most straightforward technique to grow these succulents is to take cuttings. But it is not a usual way for plants with rosettes that develop too deep.
Seeds
When growing it from seeds, one of the most critical things is the quality of the seeds. If they are fresh, then these seeds can readily germinate. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in summer or spring. Echeverias typically begin to germinate after two to three weeks. Seedlings may nearly take from 18 months to three years to mature.
Frequently asked questions
Question: What are some common names for the Echeveria Elegans plant?
Answer: Some common names for Echeveria Elegans are: Mexican Snowball, Pearl Echeveria, White Mexican Rose, Hens and Chicks and Mexican Gem.
Question: How tall does the Echeveria Elegans grow?
Answer: The Echeveria Elegans grows upto 8 inches in height and 12 inches wide.
Question: Where is the Echeveria Elegans native to?
Answer: The Echeveria Elegans plant is native to the semi-desert regions of Mexico
Question: Is the Echeveria Elegans plant poisonous to humans and pets?
Answer: The Echeveria Elegans is generally non-toxic to humans and animals. It is advisable though not to consume them.
Question: What kind of sunlight does the Echeveria Elegans plant require?
Answer: The Echeveria Elegans plant requires from partial shade to fun sunshine.
Question: What kind of soil drainage does the Echeveria Elegans require?
Answer: The Echeveria Elegans plant requires well drained soil.
Question: When should you re-pot the Echeveria Elegans plant?
Answer: You should report the Echeveria Elegans plant when needed in spring to early summer.
