Echeveria setosa var. minor 'Mexican Firecracker'

Echeveria setosa var. minor 'Mexican Firecracker' is a striking succulent known for its decorative and dense rosettes. This variety is appreciated for its unique appearance and easy care, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced succulent enthusiasts.

Morphological Characteristics:

• Leaves: The leaves are spoon-shaped, mid-green, and covered with dense white hairs, which add a distinctive, fuzzy texture. These leaves are relatively small, growing up to about 2.8 inches long.
• Flowers: In late spring, this plant produces urn-shaped red flowers with yellow tips on tall stems, which can be quite attractive to hummingbirds.
• Growth Habit: It forms a compact carpet of rosettes that can spread out slightly but generally remains contained within a small area.

Ecological Preferences:

• Light: Thrives in full sun for at least 6 hours daily but should be protected from the harsh midday sun to prevent leaf burn. It can also grow well indoors near a south or west-facing window.
• Soil: Prefers a succulent or cactus mix combined with gritty materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to ensure good drainage.
• Water: Adapts well to drought conditions. The "soak and dry" method is recommended, where the soil is allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
• Temperature: Not cold-hardy, it does best in environments where temperatures do not drop below 30°F (-1°C). In colder climates, it's advisable to grow the plant in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.

Additional Care Tips:

• Potting: Terracotta or ceramic pots are ideal because they are porous and allow the soil to breathe, reducing the risk of waterlogging.
• Propagation: Can be propagated through leaf cuttings or offsets in the spring or summer. Ensure cuttings are calloused before planting to prevent rot.

Echeveria setosa var. minor 'Mexican Firecracker' is not only a visually appealing plant but also relatively low-maintenance, making it a great addition to rock gardens, Mediterranean landscapes, or as a charming indoor plant