Echeveria chihuahuaensis aka Cats Claw Echeveria

Echeveria chihuahuaensis also goes by the name cat's claw. It is an evergreen succulent in the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. Its leaves stay on the plant all year. It comes from Chihuahua, Mexico, where it grows in deserts or dry shrubland. Kew lists its form as a succulent subshrub. Its tight leaf rosettes suit pots and other containers. Each rosette forms a cluster of leaves.

Each rosette can reach about 0.33 feet (0.10 metres) across. The leaves have pointed tips and a pale, glaucous surface. This gives them a dull, grey-green look. Red marks near the tips stand out against the leaves. In spring, small yellow flowers rise above the leaves. Their stems can reach 0.82 feet (0.25 metres) tall. The RHS gives a larger range for the whole plant. It lists both height and spread as 0.33–1.64 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). This range exceeds the size given for a single rosette. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size.

Under glass, give it bright light, but filter direct sun. The RHS also lists full sun as a suitable spot. Use standard cactus compost that lets excess water drain away. Sandy soil or loam can also suit this plant. It can grow in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. In summer, choose a sheltered spot for pots placed outdoors. The RHS rates its hardiness as H2. It can cope with cool weather but cannot survive a freeze. Bear this limit in mind when choosing its winter home.

Give moderate amounts of water while the plant grows. Cut back on water in winter, keeping the compost almost dry. While it grows, use a balanced liquid feed. Apply this feed every two or three weeks. Match water to the season, not a fixed year-round plan. Both indoor and outdoor plants need water to drain well. The RHS suggests growing it in pots and patio displays. Move pots outdoors in summer, then under cover before a freeze.

You do not need to prune this plant as routine care. Grow new plants from seed, leaf cuttings, or offsets. Watch for mealybugs, aphids, and vine weevil. The RHS reports few disease problems for this species. The supplied sources give no advice on eating this species. They also do not assess its toxicity to people or pets.