Mexican snow ball - Echeveria elegans (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Mexican snow ball

Also known as: Mexican gem

The mexican snow ball is a small but fast-growing succulent plant. It thrives in sunny environments and doesn't require much water to grow. The mexican snow ball is popularly grown as a windowsill plant. Its succulent leaves grow in various colors depending on the ambient conditions.

Scientific classification

Species

Mexican snow ball (Echeveria elegans)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer, Mid winter, Late winter

Bloom Time

Early winter, Late winter

Harvest Time

5 cm to 10 cm

Plant Height

50 cm

Spread

Green, Silver, Gray, Blue

Leaf Color

Pink, Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Silver, Gray, Yellow, Pink

Stem Color

Summer dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Mexican snow ball

Distribution of Mexican snow ball

Distribution Map

[Echeveria elegans] is native to the semi-desert regions of the North American continent. It has been introduced and is cultivated in various temperate areas, thriving in gardens and collections outside its endemic range. Mexican snow ball is notable for its resilience and ability to adapt to diverse environments beyond its original habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rock gardens

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Mexican snow ball is a decorative succulent with rows of rosettes that makes a lovely ground cover in Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, or patio containers. Mexican snow ball also makes an attractive piece in garden beds and borders and fairs well both indoors and outdoors. This charming succulent has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Symbolism

Endurance

Interesting Facts

In Mexico, Echeveria elegans is said to be a staple houseplant. Not only because of its strikingly beautiful look but also because of superstition - it is believed that Echeveria elegans has the ability to drive the evil spirits away.

Name Story

Mexican snowball: When this plant was first discovered, it was like a lotus flower growing on the flat ground. The succulent leaves were covered with a layer of frost-like substance, like a round snowball. It was also a plant native to Mexico, so it was called Mexican snowball.

Hen and chicks: Like others of its kind, it produces multiple offsprings which can be separated from the parents in spring and grown separately. Hence, the common name, "hen and chicks", applies to several species within the genus, Echeveria.

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Quickly Identify Mexican snow ball

Rosette of silver-gray leaves forms compact groundcover, 8 inches (20 cm) tall, 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide.

Pink tubular flowers with yellow tips bloom multiple times from late winter to summer.

Dry, dehiscent capsules with minuscule seeds blend in rosette, less than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) long.

Smooth, waxy pale green-blue leaves lack prominent veins, ideal for identification, 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) long.

Short, thick stems with grayish-green color and fleshy texture store water for drought resistance, 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.

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Care Guide for Mexican snow ball

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Mexican snow ball is adapted to arid conditions, storing water in its fleshy leaves for drought tolerance. Water sparingly, about once every three weeks, using well-draining soil to prevent root rot. It is commonly grown indoors for decorative purposes, thriving with minimal moisture.

Fertilize: To enhance mexican snow ball's growth, use a specialized succulent and cacti fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, reducing in fall and winter. Fertilize sparingly at half-strength and always water prior to fertilization to prevent root burn, adjusting feeding based on seasonal growth.

Pruning: To maintain shape, large succulent plants like mexican snow ball require pruning in spring and fall, removing redundant or dense branches. For propagation, cut a stout stem with 5-6 leaves, treat the wound with sulfur powder, and plant after it heals, ensuring slightly moist soil.

Propagation: Native to semi-desert habitats, mexican snow ball is a popular succulent easily propagated from cuttings. Select a healthy leaf, allow it to callous, and place it in well-draining soil. Keep in a warm, bright area with light watering until new growth appears, indicating successful transplantation.

Repotting: Repot mexican snow ball in spring, biennially, using a slightly larger pot with drainage to prevent root rot. After repotting, provide mexican snow ball with partial sun and minimal water to avoid shock, supporting the growth of its fleshy, frosty foliage.

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