Echeveria laui | White Rosette
€15,90
🌱 Morphology
Small, generally solitary succulent, very slow-growing, which develops an extremely compact and symmetrical rosette of 12–17 cm in diameter, capable of reaching approximately 30 cm in exceptional specimens. It has a short, succulent stem, up to about 10 cm in length, partially hidden by persistent dry leaves.
The leaves are very fleshy, obovate, rounded to broadly obtuse, slightly subapiculate, approximately 5–8.5 × 3–4.5 cm and up to 6–8 mm thick. The surface can be flat or slightly concave on the upper side and convex, with a faint keel, on the underside. Its base color is dark green to reddish, but it is practically hidden by a thick layer of white waxy pruina, responsible for the characteristic grayish-blue, silvery, or almost white tone of the rosette. The pruina is very delicate and is easily removed by touch, leaving permanent marks.
🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
Family Crassulaceae. It is a microendemic species of Oaxaca, Mexico, known from a very restricted area in the vicinity of the Salado-Quiotepec river, within the region of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. It grows at around 500 m altitude, in a hot and dry environment, associated with xerophytic scrub and low deciduous forest.
In its natural locality, it appears on almost vertical rock walls with a north-facing exposure, where the orientation provides some protection against the most intense sunlight. This combination of rock, slope, and fast drainage explains its high tolerance to drought and its sensitivity to excess moisture.
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 9a–11b. It tolerates minimum temperatures of up to −3 ºC occasionally when the plant is completely dry and protected from humidity. Temperatures close to 0 ºC can be better withstood under dry conditions and with good ventilation, but it is not recommended to expose it to prolonged frosts.
The main risk during winter is not only the cold, but the combination of low temperatures, humidity, and poor ventilation, which can promote damage to the roots and the neck of the plant.
☀️ Lighting
Guideline DLI PAR: 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.
It requires very high lighting to keep the rosette compact and maintain good pruina production. It tolerates direct sun after a gradual acclimation, although in climates with very hot summers it is advisable to protect it from the most intense sun during the central hours.
Insufficient lighting promotes stem elongation, separates the leaves, and deteriorates the characteristic compact shape of the rosette. The pruina protects against radiation, but it does not completely prevent the risk of sunburn when sudden changes in exposure occur.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. It shows activity mainly during mild periods and can noticeably slow down its growth with intense heat and during winter. It is a particularly slow-growing species, adapted to prolonged periods of drought.
During the active period, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. Water should be applied directly to the substrate, avoiding getting the rosette wet: droplets can alter or remove the pruina and, if they remain between the leaves, increase the risk of rot.
During extreme heat episodes, it is advisable to reduce watering if the plant stops showing activity. In autumn, watering should be gradually spaced out, and during winter, keep the substrate practically dry, especially when temperatures are low.
🌸 Flowering
It normally produces 1–2 floral stems about 6–10 cm long, provided with several leaves in their upper part. The inflorescence contains approximately 9–17 flowers.
The flowers have a corolla of approximately 13–16 mm in length, pyramid or bell-shaped, with red to red-orange coloring that acquires a pinkish tone due to the abundant pruina that covers the floral structures. The sepals are unequal and may also present reddish tones under the pruina.
In its locality of origin, it blooms mainly during February and March; in European cultivation, the period may shift towards spring.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied after watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering. During winter dormancy, fertilizing is not recommended.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
📏 Gourmet xerophyte in 7x7 cm and 9x9 cm pots.
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but this can also vary slightly because it is a living being! Each of the Desert CITY plants has unique characteristics.
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
