Echeveria setosa aka Mexican Firecracker

Echeveria setosa is an evergreen succulent from Mexico. Its native range includes southern Puebla and Oaxaca. It belongs to the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. Common names include Mexican firecracker and firecracker plant. It grows in desert and dry shrubland habitats. In gardens, its low rosettes form a dense mound. New offsets grow from the base and widen the clump.

Plants reach about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] tall. Mature clumps spread 0.33–1.64 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] across. They take five to ten years to reach full size. Each rosette measures about 0.16–0.49 feet [0.05–0.15 metres] across. The stem is very short or absent. Crowded, spoon-shaped leaves curve outward from the rosette's centre. Dense white hairs cover the green leaves in many plants. The species varies, and some plants have few hairs. Cold weather can bring red tones to the leaves.

Red and yellow flowers rise above the leaves. Their shape ranges from bell-like to urn-like. The flower stems stand upright, then arch near the top. They reach about 0.49–0.66 feet [0.15–0.2 metres] tall. Each bears around six to nine flowers. Larger clumps may produce branched flower stems. The RHS places flowering from late spring onward. LLIFLE gives late April to early July for Europe.

Grow this plant in full sun with shelter from frost. Under glass, give it full light and low humidity. Use cactus compost or another porous mix that drains well. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Water well once the soil feels dry during active growth. Reduce watering outside the growing season, keeping it nearly dry in winter. The RHS recommends diluted, low-nitrogen feed every two weeks in late spring and summer. Its H2 rating means it tolerates cool conditions, but not freezing.

This compact plant suits pots, patios, greenhouses, and conservatories. Plants grown under glass can spend summer outdoors. Its hairy leaves and bright flowers provide contrasting textures and colours. It needs no pruning. Take leaf or stem cuttings in spring or early summer. Spring is also the time to detach offsets. The RHS reports few disease problems. Mealybugs, vine weevils, and aphids may still attack plants.