Echeveria lilacina aka Ghost Echeveria

Taxonomy

Echeveria lilacina, common name ghost echeveria or Mexican hens and chicks, is a species of succulent plants in the genus Echeveria belonging to the family Crassulaceae. This interesting and ornamental plant has perfectly symmetrical, flat rosettes of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves, with a silvery gray hue that takes on a more lilac hue during the cooler months of autumn. The plant is a native Texan, viably found in Nuevo Leon in the northern part of Mexico. It is a slow-growing plant seldom attaining a height greater than 6" inches, with a spread of up to one foot when provided ideal conditions. Its flowers are coral or pale pink and bloom on short, reddish stems. Of the hundreds of plants belonging to the Echeveria genus, Echeveria lilacina is easy to grow and propagate, making it a popular choice to cultivate in households.

Common names

Ghost Echeveria, Rose Cabbage, Lilac Rose

How to care for Ghost Echeveria

Difficulty

Caring for Ghost Echeveria is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

When growing the Ghost Echeveria, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Ghost Echeveria requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Rose Cabbage is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Ghost Echeveria to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Ghost Echeveria plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Ghost Echeveria grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia