Echeveria setosa aka Mexican Firecracker

Taxonomy

Echeveria setosa, also known as the Mexican Firecracker, is a popular succulent plant that is native to semi-desert regions of Mexico. While it is endangered in the wild, it is commonly kept as a houseplant due to its unique appearance and easy care. The rosette-shaped plant has no stem and average about 8 inches in size. Its leaves are round and covered in short hairs that give it a distinctive look. The Echeveria genus includes hundreds of plants, each with their own colors and patterns. They were named after the botanical illustrator Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy and are native to Central America. These plants are easy to grow as long as they receive plenty of sunlight and can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings.

Common names

Mexican Firecracker, Wolly Rose, Dorris Taylor

How to care for Mexican Firecracker

Difficulty

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

Water

Mexican Firecracker does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Mexican Firecracker healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Mexican Firecracker 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 Wolly Rose is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

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

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Mexican Firecracker is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

Mexican Firecracker prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Mexican Firecracker is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Mexican Firecracker’s native range is Central and northern South America.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Mexican Firecracker with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia