Echeveria Elegans (Mexican Hens and Chicks) Indoor Care Guide

The Mexican hens and chicks plant (Echeveria elegans) is a perennial succulent plant in the Crassulaceae family, native to Mexico. It has been introduced as an ornamental garden plant in other countries. It looks gorgeous when grown in pots or garden planters. 

This plant forms tight clumps with a distinct rose-like shape like a flower in full bloom. The actual flowers are tiny. They grow from thin stems that extend out from the core of the leaf clumps. The fleshy leaves are green to bluish-green. In contrast, the flowers range from white to pinkish-red and bloom during spring and winter. 

Echeveria elegans Main Characteristics

Common Name	Mexican Gem, Mexican Hens and Chicks, Mexican Snow Ball, White Mexican Rose
Botanical Name	Echeveria elegans
Synonyms	Echeveria potosina, Echeveria albicans
Family	Crassulaceae
Genus	Echeveria
Type	Succulent Perennial
Native Range	Northeastern Mexico
USDA Hardiness Zones	9 to 11
Mature Size	Height: 10 cm, Width 50 cm
Bloom Time	Spring, Winter
Foliage	Evergreen
Propagation methods	by division, by seeds, by cuttings
Sun	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil	Occasionally dry, Well-drained
Toxicity	Non-Toxic

Mexican Hens and Chicks Care

For decades, the White Mexican Rose has been popular among houseplant enthusiasts due to its ability to survive in dry conditions with little maintenance. Like most other succulents, they love to grow in sub-tropical climates but can survive harsher weather. Although caring for these plants is relatively straightforward, they still need to be attended to. These are the key factors:

Light and Location

Proper lighting is essential for this type of plant for satisfactory growth. Place it in direct sunlight for around six hours a day with partial shade the rest of the time.

Rock gardens are the perfect fit for these plants. However, you can also choose to plant them in a shallow pot on a deck or patio if you meet the lighting requirements.

Watering

The watering of a Mexican Rose depends on various factors such as the size of the pot, the plant’s health condition, and the time of year. However, here are some general rules you need to stick by.

1. It is best to water this plant once a week or every other week in autumn, spring, and summer. 
2. You may water it once every two weeks in winter as you need less water in winter.
3. The pot’s soil should be completely dry before you start watering it again (Check the first inch with your finger).
4. Make sure that the pot is well-drained.
5. Never over-water the plant because it may cause root rot and kill the plant. And don’t mist the leaves.

Temperature

White Mexican Roses like to grow in sub-tropical conditions. The optimal temperature range is 10–24ºC (50–75ºF). Any lower, and you start having problems.

This plant will not survive freezing, so if you live in a colder climate with an intense winter, it is best to bring your plant inside during the colder months. Though it can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, prolonged exposure is unhealthy.

Humidity

While it can tolerate wetter climates, it prefers to grow in dry conditions, like other succulents. And since it doesn’t require high humidity to thrive, it’s drought-resistant.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is not necessary for this plant to grow, but it can help to produce more flowers and lush foliage. If you choose to use fertilizer, make sure to use a standard one diluted to quarter strength. Fertilize your plants every four weeks during the growing season.

Propagating Echeveria elegans

There are two recommended ways to propagate Echeveria elegans. You can either take leaf cuttings from the plant or divide the offsets or “pups” that the plant produces. You can also use seeds but getting to the mature size takes so long that most gardeners do not recommend it.

Division: Echeveria elegans generally produces pups or offsets that can be divided up and replanted. Simply pinch and pull, and they should come right off the mother plant. Once the wound has healed, plant in fresh soil and wait for roots to form. 

Leaf Cutting: Cut off a leaf using a sharp knife. Bury the part that was closest to the roots into the potting soil. It should be moist, not wet. Press the soil down to ensure it stays in place. Wait for the cutting to root itself in the new soil, which may take several weeks. Once regrowth begins to show, you’ve successfully obtained a new plant. (Both leaves and other types of cuttings use the same method for propagation. 

Potting and Repotting Echeveria Elegans

When potting or repotting White Mexican Roses, you should use a soil mix specifically for cactus and succulents. This type of soil mix is available at most garden centers. Using a soil mix that drains well is essential, as these plants do not like wet soil.

If your Echeveria elegans is growing too large for its current pot, you can repot it into a larger pot. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to dry out the plant’s soil between waterings. Repotting is best done in late spring or early summer when the weather is warm. In winter, these plants go dormant, and there is a high chance the roots lost during repotting won’t recover.

Common Pests

Aphids and mealybugs are common pests to this plant, often found on the undersides of the leaves. Use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol to get rid of them.

Also, look out for vine weevils; they are tiny little critters that like to dig into the roots, especially the grubs. When they reach adulthood, they start feasting on the leaves, but it’s too late for the roots by that point. So remember to check early!

Common Problems

Dry, crispy leaves at the base?

It’s part of the natural life cycle of the leaves. They’re dying off to make way for new growth. Peel them off gently, and they should come right off.

Bleached or brown patches on leaves?

Too much exposure to the hot sun could have caused the leaves to burn off. Move to a shadier spot if that’s the case. It could also be due to moisture residue on the leaves, either due to being left out during the rain or a defective watering method. Remember! Only water the roots, don’t let the leaves get splashed.

Yellow, translucent, or soggy leaves?

Too much water is the most likely culprit. Reduce the watering frequency and rethink your schedule. It’s better to water less than to water more.

Leaves shriveling?

Your plant is suffering from underwatering. Just because it’s a succulent doesn’t mean it can sustain itself without water. So give it a little water every day until the leaves become plump again.

Best tips for keeping your Mexican Hens and Chicks (Echeveria Elegans) plants healthy indoors (Video)

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