Echeveria Elegans

Echeveria elegans is a charming succulent that showcases a symmetrical spiral of bluish-white rosettes and thick, stumpy leaves. The shape of the succulent and its native habitat of Mexico have given Echeveria elegans the nickname “Mexican Snowball”.

Mexican Snowball is popular with succulent growers because it produces pink – sometimes red – flowers with attractive yellow-colored tips during the late winter to mid-summer months.

In Mexico, Echeveria elegans is a staple plant in many homes because it is believed that the succulent has the power to drive away evil spirits. As a celebrated succulent, Echeveria elegans is the recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Echeveria elegans comes from the Crassulaceae family and can grow up to 8-inches tall (20cm) and 12-inches wide (30.5cm). 

General Information:

Also known as: Mexican Snowball, Hens and Chicken
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Mexico
Height: 8-inches tall (20cm) and 12-inches wide (30.5cm)
Exposure: Full to partial sunlight up to 6 hours per day
Water Needs: Light watering schedule during the summer months; very little to no watering in the winter or cold season.
Soil Type: Sandy, succulent soil mix in combination with equal parts peat moss and perlite
Soil pH: Acidic (6.0 pH)
Tolerance: Drought

How to Grow Echeveria Elegans

Echeveria elegans is a slow-growing succulent. It may take years for the plant to reach full maturity. 

Mexican Snowball still remains popular with garden hobbyists. The succulent is often used as ground cover or to adorn a rock garden. You might see Mexican Snowball used as a bouquet at a wedding. 

Although Echeveria elegans is more tolerant of cold weather compared to other varieties of echeverias, if your area experiences a drop in temperature lower than 20° F (-6.7° C), it would be advisable to move the plant indoors. 

1.   Sunlight

Echeveria elegans is susceptible to stretching if not given enough sunlight. Stretching is the condition where the plant becomes weak and pallid.

If grown outdoors, plant Mexican Snowball in an area that receives 6 hours of morning sunlight per day.

When grown indoors, Mexican Snowball will thrive near a window that brings in sunlight. If this is not possible, place the succulent under a Grow Light.

2.   Watering

Echeveria elegans is very tolerant to drought and does not need much watering. It is recommended to water Mexican Snowball only once per week in the summer. To be sure, check if the soil is dry to the touch. If it does not have signs of moisture, give the plant some water.

In the wintertime, Echeveria elegans will require less water because its soil will retain moisture much longer. If the plant does need water, restrict its volume to no more than a sprinkling on the pot or the ground. Remain observant. If the plant appears thinner, give it more water.

Like all succulents, overwatering can lead to root rot and kill the plant.

3.   Pot and Soil

Use a pot that has excellent drainage. Make sure there is a tray underneath the pot to properly collect excess water. If a tray is not available, use pieces of a broken pot.

Echeveria elegans will grow properly when planted in a sandy, succulent soil mix. It is recommended to add a mix of equal parts peat moss and perlite to the soil to improve drainage.

It is also highly recommended to give Mexican Snowball a balanced fertilizer mix during the spring and summer seasons.  Space the fertilizer feedings by about 1 month apart. 

How to Propagate Echeveria Elegans

Echeveria elegans is very easy to propagate and the species responds well to 2 methods: Offsets and Cuttings.

1.   Offsets

Echeveria elegans develops offsets in the springtime that sprout from the base of the succulent plant.

Step 1 – Gently pull up the offsets.

Step 2 – Set aside the offsets under a dry and shaded area.

Step 3 – Allow the offsets to harden or develop calluses.

Step 4 – Once the calluses have formed, plant the cuttings in a pot with well-draining soil.

 2.   Cuttings

Step 1 – Choose a healthy leaf from the plant.

Step 2 – Remove the leaf by cutting it off with a sharpened and sterilized knife or garden shears.

Step 3 – Place the leaf-cutting under a shaded area.

Step 4- Give it several days to harden or develop calluses.

Step 5 – Once the calluses have formed, place it in a pot filled with well-draining soil.

Step 6 – If the soil has dried out completely, give the plant more water.

Step 7 – Once it has taken root and there is the presence of a rosette, re-plant Mexican Snowball in a new pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated on June 10, 2022 by Sofia Lara