Common name: Hen and chickens

Family: Crassulaceae

Plant type	Perennial, cactus/succulent
Height	4 to 24 inches
Spread	12 to 24 inches
Habit	Clump-forming
Foliage	Evergreen
Growth rate	Dwarf
Interests	Flowers, foliage
Uses	Houseplant, rockery, conservatory
Skill level	Beginner to average
Maintenance	Slight
Hardiness	8
Heat zone
Sun	Full sun
Moisture	Arid to dry
Soil type	Slightly acid to slightly lime
Soil fertility	Barren to moderate
Water consumption	Light
Site	Sheltered to average
Flower colour	Orange, red, yellow
Flower season	Early spring to late spring, early autumn to late autumn
Flower size	Small
Foliage colour	Green, multi-coloured, purple, red, white/silver
Fruit colour
Edible parts
Harvest time
Stems
Features
Wildlife
Texture	Soft spikey

This is a genus of succulents with tight rosettes of leaves and spikes of small flowers borne at various times of the year depending on the species, but mainly i spring or autumn. The leaves may be green, silver-grey, purple or red and bi-colour varieties are also available.

Echeverias are generally frost tender but in some cases may survive in regions up to zone 8. If grown outdoors they are often grown in a rockery, otherwise they can be grown in a conservatory, greenhouse, or as a house plant on a sunny windowsill. In all cases they require a very free draining compost and careful watering. Some species can rot if watered overhead. Being succulents they can withstand drying out and drought conditions.

They originate from Mexico and surrounding regions of Central and South America. Many species originate high in mountain plateaus which helps explain their hardiness.

Plants should be grown in a well drained mix of 1/3rd gravel or grit and 2/3rds compost. They are best repotted in the spring, just as they come out of the winter dormant period. They should be dry when potted and leave them a couple of weeks afterward before watering in to prevent rot.

Task Calendar

Season	Details
Late-autumn	If kept indoors, leave dry over winter.
Early-spring	Repot if necessary.