Echeveria is a large genus of succulents in the Crassulaceae family, native from Mexico to north-western South America. The genus is named after the 18th century Mexican botanical artist, Atanasio Echeverría. Many of the species produce numerous offsets, and are commonly known as ‘Hen and Chicks’, which can also refer to other genera such as Sempervivum that are significantly different from Echeveria. They are also often confused with genera such as Aeonium, Graptopetalum and Sedum. Echeveria is regularly crossed with the latter two genera as well as Pachyphytum to create hybrids with the genus names Pachyveria, Sedeveria and Graptoveria. Echeverias are especially well suited to being grown in pots and rockeries which adds to their ease of cultivation. Echeverias are polycarpic, meaning that they may flower and set seed many times over the course of their lifetimes. It is essential in cultivation to use a very porous soil, which will allow quick drainage. Bright light is required to prevent “stretching” of Echeverias. Stretching occurs when a moderately fast growing plant such as an Echeveria, is grown in dim light or over-fertilized, which causes overly lush growth that contributes to weak, pallid plants. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch and let them dry before watering again.

Echeveria pulidonis, native to Mexico, forms 10 -15 cm rosettes of spoon-shaped fleshy frosty blue-green leaves outlined with rose-red margins. In spring the bright yellow flowers tip multiple unbranched reddish stems that bend over with the weight of the flowers (John Pilbeam in “The genus Echeveria” likens this inflorescence shape to that of a “shepherd’s crook”. Plant it in well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Bright light enhances the red edges of the leaves. Water sparingly, particularly during the winter months though a well-drained soil allows this plant to thrive getting winter rain. This Echeveria is hardy to -7°C, lower if kept dry during winter. Originally thought to be from Hidago, more currently the origin is thought to be from near Beristain in the State of Puebla to the south of Mexico.