Silky echeveria
Echeveria × bombycina
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🖨 Print-friendly care cardAt a Glance
| Botanical name | Echeveria × bombycina |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | Silky echeveria |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Plant type | succulent (evergreen succulent perennial or subshrub) |
| Height × Spread | 10–50 cm × 10–50 cm |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | peat-free cactus compost, gritty and sharply draining |
| Flowering | August–September |
| Toxicity | Not yet established. Do not assume this plant is safe for people or pets. |
| Native range | semi-desert areas of Central America, Mexico and northwestern South America |
A bright position for silky echeveria
Echeveria × bombycina forms rosettes of pale green, softly hairy leaves. In the UK it is best managed as a tender container succulent with plenty of light, a well-drained cactus compost and protection from frost. Do not bury the rosette or let the pot stand in a water-filled saucer.
Watering and winter care
Water more actively in spring and summer while growth is visible, then allow the mixture to drain. Keep the compost almost dry over winter, particularly in cool conditions, and provide good air circulation. Avoid splashing or repeatedly touching the velvety leaves, which can lose their appearance when mishandled.
Propagation and plant health
Separate offsets or take suitable leaf or stem cuttings in the growing season. Remove old, decaying leaves carefully from the base and examine the plant for mealybugs or vine weevil. This plant generally needs little shaping or pruning.
Source: RHS gardening guidance. Advice is adapted to UK growing conditions.
Pests and Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White, cottony fluff appears in leaf axils and on stems. | Wipe off with a damp cloth or treat with insecticidal soap. |
| Vine weevil | Notches on leaf edges during the day; larvae damage roots at night. | Use nematodes in soil or systemic insecticide to control larvae. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small green or black insects on new growth and flowers. | Spray with a strong jet of water or apply horticultural oil. |
| Root rot | Leaves become soft, mushy, and translucent starting from the base. | Ensure well-draining compost and allow soil to dry between waterings. |
| Sunburn | Brown or bleached patches on leaves exposed to intense direct sunlight. | Gradually acclimate plants to full sun and provide shade in peak heat. |
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