Echeveria shaviana is a succulent plant from the Crassulaceae family, native to Mexico, where it thrives in rocky areas and on cliffs. The plant features a tight rosette of fleshy, blue-green leaves covered in fine white hairs, lending it a velvety texture. These overlapping leaves form a rosette that can grow up to 15 cm wide.
In the summer, Echeveria shaviana produces tall stems topped with clusters of small pink or red flowers. These flowers, which grow on long stalks above the foliage, attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
This plant is remarkably easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and tolerating drought conditions well. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight but can also thrive in partial shade.
Echeveria shaviana is popular for ornamental use, thanks to its unique appearance. It's an excellent addition to gardens or indoor spaces, and its low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for beginners seeking an easy-to-care-for plant that adds beauty and interest without demanding much attention or effort.
Mexican hens has medium disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes susceptible to disease when humidity is high and is likely to develop root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, Mexican hens is drought tolerant but requires more water in the growing season. Watering should be sharply reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Mexican hens is appropriate for people with some growing experience, though it can be challenging to care for, especially during dormancy. It is particularly suitable for those who can dedicate time to its care in the winter months.
How to keep Echeveria Shaviana.
Light
Mexican hens require plenty of sunlight to thrive in their native habitat but can also tolerate areas with less light. At various stages of growth, adequate sun exposure supports healthy development. However, too much or too little light can adversely affect the plant’s health.
Water
The Mexican hen is a drought-tolerant plant that stores water in its succulent leaves. It should be watered every 2 to 3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This plant thrives in well-draining soil and is particularly sensitive to overwatering, especially during its winter dormancy. It is ideal for indoor settings due to its low maintenance requirements and decorative appeal.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Mexican hens do best in temperatures between 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃), which is their preferred range. They originate from warm regions such as Mexico, where they grow well in temperatures above 60℉ (15 ℃). In colder seasons, it is recommended to keep the plant above 50℉ (10 ℃) to prevent any damage.
Fertilizer
Mexican hens need light fertilizer applications 1-2 times a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before fertilizing. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and encourages blooms.
Pruning
To maintain their beautiful shape, prune Mexican hens in the spring and fall by trimming any redundant or dense branches. For propagation, cut a sturdy stem with 5-6 leaves, apply sulfur powder to the cut end, and then plant it in slightly moist soil once the wound has healed.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Mexican hens, choose a pot a little bigger than the current one that provides good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent soil. Gently lift the plant from its old container, brush away excess soil, and set it in the new pot at the same depth. Hold off watering for a few days so any root injuries can recover. Repot during spring or fall and keep the plant in a brightly lit location.
Toxicity
Luckily, the Echeveria Blue Curls is not considered a toxic succulent to people, dogs, cats, other pets, or livestock. However, it is not meant to be ingested. It’s best to keep them away from persistent children or pets to minimize the risk of harm.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 15 cm to 20 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue, Purple
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Summer
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Mexican hens?
To properly water your Mexican hens, follow these steps: wait until spring when new leaves are growing, ensure the soil inside the pot is completely dry, and then add water. Use either tap water or distilled water and avoid watering from overhead. Instead, water at the base of the plant by applying water slowly and evenly across the soil surface. This method ensures consistent moisture in the soil without dampening the above-ground portions of the plant. You can add water until you see a light stream of excess water draining from the pot's hole.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Mexican hens?
When it comes to growing Mexican hens, fertilizing is important as it adds nutrients to the soil. While the plant itself can store water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season is beneficial for healthy growth. Additionally, fertilizing can also stimulate mature Mexican hens to produce beautiful blooms during the growing season.
What are the sunlight requirements for Mexican hens (Echeveria shaviana)?
Mexican hens require a significant amount of sunlight to thrive, favoring conditions that replicate its native habitat. The plant does best in full sun, meaning it should receive more than 6 hours of sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate partial sun with about 3-6 hours of sunlight. Observing how sunlight moves through your garden and selecting spots with a good balance of sunlight and shade is essential for the plant's health. In areas with less light or during different growth stages, sufficient sun exposure is crucial for healthy growth, although both excessive and inadequate sunlight can have negative impacts.
What are the ideal growing temperatures for Mexican hens?
Mexican hens thrive in temperatures ranging from 68 to 100°F (20 to 38°C), with their preferred temperature range being reflective of their native warm environments such as Mexico. They grow well in temperatures above 60°F (15°C). During the colder seasons, it's advised to keep the plant above 50°F (10°C) to prevent damage. Winter, being their growing season, requires that temperatures are kept above 20°C for optimal growth. If outdoor conditions drop below 0°C, bringing the plant indoors to a well-lit area is recommended. The practice of increasing watering when temperatures are high and reducing it as they approach freezing is crucial for their well-being. Overwintering Mexican hens outdoors should involve placement in a sheltered area with access to sunlight, and consideration of a temporary greenhouse for additional warmth and moisture retention if the temperature is consistently low.
What should I do if I give my Mexican hens too much water or too little water?
Overwatering Mexican hens is a common problem and can quickly lead to plant death. To avoid overwatering, allow the soil to completely dry before watering. Many people make the mistake of watering their plant incorrectly, especially during dormancy. In this case, we will focus on how to fix overwatering. If your Mexican hens shows signs of overwatering, remove it from its current pot and examine the roots. Remove any roots displaying rot or moisture-related disease, but some can be cleaned and saved. Repot the plant in well-draining soil to reduce the risk of future overwatering. Underwatering, although less likely, can also happen. If this occurs, simply water your plant slightly more frequently, being careful not to overcorrect and overwater it.
When should I fertilize my Mexican hens?
Mexican hens only require a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season, typically 1-2 times a year. It's best to fertilize them in the spring and autumn, avoiding the dormant periods of winter and summer. If you have repotted plants, be cautious with fertilization and reduce the amount used. It's also recommended to wait a few months after repotting before applying any fertilizer.
How do I use artificial lighting for my Mexican hens plant?
When natural sunlight is not enough, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting becomes an essential solution for indoor Mexican hens plants. Adequate lighting prompts faster, healthier growth. Opt for LED lights, as they can be tailored to provide specific wavelengths needed by your plants. For full sun plants, aim for 30-50W/sq ft, for partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and for full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight and keep it on for about 8-12 hours per day, depending on your plant species' natural daylight needs.
How should one care for Mexican hens in low temperatures?
Mexican hens are not tolerant to extremely cold temperatures, doing best between 20°C and 38°C, while during winter, temperatures should remain above 0°C. Exposure to temperatures below -5°C can lead to leaves exhibiting water-soaked necrosis and wilting. Mild frost damage may initially show no symptoms; however, after a week, significant wilting and leaf loss may occur. To combat frost damage, trim off the affected areas and move the plant to a warm environment indoors or set up a makeshift greenhouse for protection against the cold. Ensuring ample sunlight, particularly by placing the plant near a south-facing window if indoors, is critical. In the case of a makeshift greenhouse, it's important to maintain proper ventilation to prevent plant decay.
How frequently should I give water to my Mexican hens?
Mexican hens are succulent plants with low water needs. They come from hot and dry regions, so it's important to let the soil dry completely between waterings. Normally, it takes about two weeks to a month for the soil to dry out completely. During the spring and summer, when the plant is in a growing state, it may take 2-3 weeks for the soil to dry. In the summer, the soil may dry out faster. However, when the temperature drops below 60 degrees or goes above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants will be dormant or semi-dormant. In this case, they don't need more water. Instead, reduce or stop watering until the temperature is suitable for growth, and then resume watering.
When is it best to not fertilize my Mexican hens?
Mexican hens, like other plants, has a dormancy period. During this time, which occurs in the summer and winter, the plant stops growing and it is best to refrain from using fertilizer. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid fertilizing for the first few months after repotting in the spring.
What are the symptoms of light deficiency in Mexican hens?
When Mexican hens are placed in areas with insufficient light, they may exhibit several symptoms indicating light deficiency. These include lighter-colored or irregularly patterned new leaves due to lack of chlorophyll, leggy or sparse growth as the plant stretches towards the light source, and a slow or ceased growth as the plant enters survival mode. Chlorosis, or the yellowing of leaves, can occur, along with sunscald, which appears as damaged areas on leaves or stems due to intense sunlight. Other stress symptoms include leaf curling, which helps minimize water loss, wilting due to excessive transpiration, and leaf scorching characterized by brown, dry, and crispy leaf edges.
What precautions should be taken for Mexican hens during high temperatures?
In the summer, it's advisable to keep Mexican hens below 38°C. High temperatures exceeding 43°C can cause the plant to enter a dormant state, making it more susceptible to rot under high humidity conditions. To mitigate these risks, remove any dry or rotten parts of the plant and relocate it to a partially shaded area to avoid direct midday and afternoon sunlight. It is also recommended to halt watering until the weather cools, to prevent exacerbating any potential rot issues.
