Echeveria elegans aka Pearl Echeveria

Taxonomy

Echeveria elegans, also known as Mexican Snowball, Mexican Gem, or White Mexican Rose, is a popular evergreen succulent that belongs to the Echeveria genus. This species of flowering plant is native to semi-desert habitats in Mexico and Central America. The leaves of the Echeveria plant are fleshy and have a waxy cuticle on the exterior, with each plant having its own unique colors and patterns. Mexican Snowball is perfect for groundcover, rock gardens, green roofs, or containers. It can also be used as part of a wedding bouquet due to its pretty, small, pink flowers with a yellow tinge. In ancient times, it was believed to drive away evil spirits. The Echeveria succulent plant is slow-growing and usually doesn't exceed 12 inches in height or spread. It prefers desert conditions but can tolerate periods of moisture as long as it is allowed to dry out before applying more water. The plant is super easy to grow as long as it gets lots of sunlight and can be easily propagated by stem or leaf, making it easy to collect different varieties.

Common names

Pearl Echeveria, Mexican Snowball, Dark Moon

How to care for Pearl Echeveria

Difficulty

Pearl Echeveria is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Pearl Echeveria does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Pearl Echeveria is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Pearl Echeveria requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Pearl Echeveria will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Pearl Echeveria to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Pearl Echeveria thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Pearl Echeveria is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Pearl Echeveria’s native range is Central and northern South America.


More info:
Wikipedia