Echeveria is a large genus of about 100 species of succulents, in the Crassulaceae family. They are native from Mexico to northwestern South America. The genus Echeveria is named after the 18th century Spanich botanist Atanasio Echeverria Codoy. Several of these species are outstanding garden plants. It's a genus of justly popular, beautiful and easily grown succulents, particularly suitable as house plants. Grouping a variety of Echeveria cultivars together is an ideal way to display the diverse leaf shapes and forms. The mature rosettes grow up to 20 cm in diameter and eventually form many offsets. They mostly have fleshy leaves forming rosettes of a wide assortment of attractive, geometric designs in a range of colours from green through grey, blue, purple, pink to almost white, often with markings in contrasting shades. The plant does not require any pruning. Most species lose their lower leaves in winter. Dudleya prefer to be summer dry, which is their dormant time, whereas Echeveria are winter dry with active growth during summer. Given their opposite water needs, it's not wise to put these two succulents together in a garden. Echeverias are polycarpic, meaning that they may flower and set seed many times over the course of their lifetimes. The spikes of showy, urn or bell-shaped flowers can be yellow, red or white with some having unusual hues. Hardiness zones 9-11, (-5øC/25øF, 4øC/40øF). Most species grow in the shade and can take some frost. The plant prefers bright direct sunlight. During the growing period, normal room temperature is suitable. The plant is fairly drought tolerant. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. These plants prefer dry soils and need good drainage. Do not allow the water to collect on the rosette. Use a good cactus soil mix. Fertilize once a year by diluting to half the minimum strength recommended on the label of a standard house plant fertilizer.