Picture by EasternLeaf
Basic Info
Echeveria Elegans also known as the “Mexican Snowball” is perhaps best known for its unusual shape. In ancient times it was believed that this plant drove away evil spirits. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to 20 cm (8″) tall and about 30.5 cm (12″) in diameter. The plant is easy to grow and fits in most succulent collections.
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedeoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball” can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care off. This succulent type needs less watering than other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball” healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this Mexican Snowball. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball”
Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball” is one of those succulents that make for a perfect wedding bouquet. It is a succulent with a rich history, in ancient times it was believed to drive away evil spirits.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown indoors and outdoors
- Grows 20 cm (or 8″) tall
- Grows up to 30.5 cm (or 12″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Plant zone 9a -6,7°C or 20°F
- Best propagated by offsets or leaves
- Generally not known to be toxic to people or animals
- Best known for being Winter dormant
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Where to Plant
Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball” succulents need strong light. When planting this Mexican Snowball type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 9a which is around -6,7 °C (or 20°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
How to Propagate Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball”
Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball” can be propagated by leaves and offsets. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
Offsets
Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball” propagates from the offsets. To be able to propagate from the mother plant, you should wait several years for the main plant to produce an offset. To start this process, use a sharp knife and remove an offset from the main plant. When you remove the offset, clean the extra soil from it. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
Leaves
When propagating Mexican Snowball with leaves. (Learn How to Propagate Succulents in detail here.) You should get a leave carefully from the mother plant. It should be a healthy leave that has no part left on the stem. In this way, the propagation will work. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
Origin and Habitat
Echeveria Elegans “Mexican Snowball” is known to be native to the semi-deserted habitats in Mexico
