Mexican hens and chicks (Echeveria rosea)

Mexican hens and chicks

Mexican hens and chicks (Echeveria rosea) is a standout among succulents for its grayish, ruffled, pink-edged foliage and its clusters of small pink flowers. The flowers appear in spring and summer. While the plant is not large and does not require much attention, it has a long lifespan. When mature, it will produce smaller specimens of the same species, known as "pups," in the surrounding soil.

Scientific classification

Species

Mexican hens and chicks (Echeveria rosea)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

20 cm

Spread

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Mexican hens and chicks

Distribution of Mexican hens and chicks

Distribution Map

Mexican hens and chicks originates from the central highlands of a North American region. It thrives in rocky outcrops and arid environments natively. Beyond its natural habitat, mexican hens and chicks has been widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical areas across various continents, appreciated for its rosette-forming succulent properties, and adapts to cultivation as an ornamental plant.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Quickly Identify Mexican hens and chicks

Stems 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) long, pendant or upright.

Rosette with lanceolate leaves, grayish-green with reddish blush on margins.

Flowers on 1-foot (30 cm) terminal spikes, reddish-pink stems, pink-tipped yellow petals.

Flowers densely clustered within top 4-5 inches of spike.

Suitable for partial sunlight, well-draining soil; low to moderate water needs.

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Care Guide for Mexican hens and chicks

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from arid regions, mexican hens and chicks thrives in low water availability with exceptional drought tolerance. Water once every three weeks, using well-draining soil to prevent root rot. As an evergreen succulent, mexican hens and chicks retains its leaves year-round, thriving best in a dry environment.

Fertilize: Mexican hens and chicks thrives with succulent-specific fertilizer during spring and summer, applied every 2-4 weeks at recommended doses. Cease fertilization in fall and winter to prevent root damage. Monitor mexican hens and chicks's response to ensure balanced nutrition and avoid nutrient burn.

Pruning: To maintain the shape of mexican hens and chicks, prune redundant or dense branches in spring and fall. For propagation, cut a stout stem with 5-6 leaves, apply sulfur powder to the wound, and plant once healed. Keep the soil slightly moist for successful rooting.

Propagation: Mexican hens and chicks is an evergreen succulent with rosette-forming growth and ornamental leaves, ideal for rock gardens and containers. Propagate by twisting a leaf off, allowing it to callous, then place it in well-draining soil, misting periodically to encourage root development and new rosettes.

Repotting: Repot mexican hens and chicks every 2 years in spring when it outgrows its pot to promote growth. Choose a container one size larger and ensure it fits well in shallow, wide pots. After repotting, let the soil dry slightly before watering, and provide bright indirect light.

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