Echeveria elegans
Also known as: Mexican snow ball
The 'Mexican snow ball' — one of the hardiest and most widely grown Echeveria species. It comes from Mexico (Hidalgo), stays around Rosette 8–12 cm, clumps freely, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; hardy to about -4 °C when dry. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Echeveria
- Origin: Mexico (Hidalgo)
- Mature size: Rosette 8–12 cm, clumps freely
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; hardy to about -4 °C when dry
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Echeveria
- Origin
- Mexico (Hidalgo)
- Mature size
- Rosette 8–12 cm, clumps freely
- Growth habit
- Ground-covering clumps of stemless rosettes
- Leaf colour
- Ice-blue to pale sea-green, porcelain smooth
- Flower colour
- Pink-white bells with yellow tips in late winter
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; hardy to about -4 °C when dry
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Mexican snow ball
About the Echeveria elegans
The 'Mexican snow ball' — one of the hardiest and most widely grown Echeveria species. Pure ice-blue rosettes spread into dense mats, each sending up pink-and-white bell flowers in late winter.
Care and cultivation
Grow in a fast-draining cactus mix with at least 50% mineral grit (pumice or perlite). Water deeply only when the soil has dried completely, then pour away any water left in the saucer. Full morning sun keeps the rosette tight and colours vivid; in very hot climates give light afternoon shade. Remove spent flower stalks and dried lower leaves to discourage mealybugs. Light: Bright light with a few hours of direct morning sun; colours deepen with more sun. Water: Soak-and-dry; about every 10–14 days in spring and fall, less in winter. Use a Fast-draining cactus/succulent mix, 50% mineral grit.
Description
Echeveria elegans is an Echeveria succulent from Mexico (Hidalgo). The 'Mexican snow ball' — one of the hardiest and most widely grown Echeveria species. Pure ice-blue rosettes spread into dense mats, each sending up pink-and-white bell flowers in late winter.
Identification
Look for: Ice-blue to pale sea-green, porcelain smooth leaves in a Rosette 8–12 cm, clumps freely form. Also answers to Mexican snow ball. The genus is Echeveria, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Mexican snow ball'.
Common problems
Mealybugs in leaf axils (wipe with alcohol swab) • Etiolation (stretching) in low light • Powdery farina smudges if touched — it does not grow back • Crown rot if water pools in the rosette
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Echeveria elegans?
Soak-and-dry; about every 10–14 days in spring and fall, less in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Echeveria elegans need?
Bright light with a few hours of direct morning sun; colours deepen with more sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Echeveria elegans, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.