Echeveria lilacina, commonly called Ghost Echeveria or Powdery Echeveria, is a small succulent native to Mexico. It forms rosettes of silvery-gray leaves covered in a fine powdery coating, which helps protect it from the sun and drought.
In the summer, it sends up tall stems topped with clusters of pink to red flowers.
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About Echeveria lilacina
| Botanical Name | Echeveria lilacina |
| Common Name | Ghost Echeveria |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 6 inches |
| Width | 6-10 inches |
| Light | Bright, Indirect Light |
| Bloom season | Spring, Summer |
| Water needs | Low, Moderate |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy |
| Tolerant | Drought |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 9-12 |
Echeveria lilacina Care
Light
Echeveria lilacina prefers bright sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. This plant tolerates low light conditions well and can grow in a window that receives little or no direct sunlight.
Soil
This succulent prefers soil that is light and sandy. You can mix in some perlite to help aerate the soil and add some compost or manure. The pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5.
Water
Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch. Do not allow the plant to sit in water for long periods of time. This will help keep the leaves from turning brown.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range is between 5-25°C (41-77°F). If temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F), the plant may lose its leaves or even die completely due to cold shock or frost damage.
Humidity
Humidity should range between 40-60% during spring and summer months (when watering frequency increases), but it can go down as low as 20-30% during winter months (when watering frequency decreases).
Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizer, Echeveria lilacina prefers a slow-release fertilizer with a high concentration of nitrogen and potassium. Fertilizer can be applied sparingly every month in the spring or summer months.
Pruning
There are two main reasons why you should prune your Echeveria lilacina – because it helps promote healthy growth and because it gives you a chance to remove dead leaves from your plant.
Most Echeveria plants are self-contained that don’t require much pruning.
Potting and Repotting Echeveria lilacina
To ensure that your Echeveria lilacina stays healthy it is important to repot it when it becomes rootbound. This means that the roots have grown out of the drainage holes or are tightly packed within the container. If left unaddressed, the plant may begin to wilt, and its leaves may start to turn yellow and fall off.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Gently remove the plant from its old container, taking care not to damage the leaves or roots.
- Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim excessively long roots
- Fill the new container with a well-draining soil mix.
- Place the Echeveria in the new container and backfill it with soil, gently pressing down to secure the plant.
- Water the plant thoroughly and allow it to drain.
- Place the plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and avoid watering for a few days to allow it to acclimate to its new environment.
Propagating Echeveria lilacina by offsets(Step-by-Step)
- Look for offsets during the late spring or early summer.
- Carefully remove the offset from the parent Echeveria with a clean, sharp knife.
- Allow the offset to callus over for a few days.
- Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mix.
- Water sparingly and place in a location with bright, indirect light.
Blooms
This plant produces coral-colored, bell-shaped flowers on tall, thin stems in the summer. These flowers are usually less than an inch in diameter and have a delicate, romantic feel. They complement the plant’s dusty lavender-blue leaves and create a lovely display when in bloom.
Toxicity
Echeveria lilacina is non-toxic, making it a great plant for pet owners or families with young children.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
Aphids
Aphids love to feed on new growth and tender leaves, and Echeveria lilacina is no exception. These pests can cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and deformities if left untreated.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are a common pest of Echeveria lilacina and can be identified by the white, powdery wax they secrete. They often feed on the undersides of leaves, which can cause yellowing and wilting of the affected leaves.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are another pest that can affect Echeveria lilacina. They can cause yellowing and browning of leaves, as well as webbing around the affected areas. A good way to combat these pests is to increase the humidity around the plant and use a miticide.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
