About
Echeveria setosa, the Mexican firecracker, is an attractive, evergreen succulent forming stemless rosettes of spoon-shaped, bright-green leaves densely covered in stiff, white hairs. From late spring, slender, erect spires bear urn-shaped, red-and-yellow flowers. A popular and rewarding echeveria, with the striking contrast of white-hairy foliage and vivid bicoloured flowers.
About the genus
Echeveria are evergreen succulent perennials or subshrubs from Mexico and Central America producing rosettes of colourful, fleshy leaves in shades of grey, green, blue, pink, red and purple, and racemes or panicles of small, urn-shaped, red, orange or yellow flowers on tall stems in summer.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in full light. Provide low humidity. Water freely when in growth and keep just moist at other times. Apply a dilute low nitrogen fertilizer fortnightly during late spring and summer. Keep almost dry in the winter. Stand plants outside during the summer months. See Echeveria and houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by stem or leaf cuttings in spring or early summer. Separate offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, vine weevil and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free