The Echeveria colorata 'Mexican Giant' is a striking succulent prized for its large size and elegant appearance. Originating from Mexico, this plant is a cultivar of Echeveria colorata and is admired by succulent enthusiasts for its ease of care and impressive form.  
 
Description:
Rosette: The most distinctive feature of the Echeveria Mexican Giant is its large, stemless rosette. This rosette can grow up to 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) in diameter, making it one of the larger Echeveria varieties.  
Leaves: The fleshy, lance-shaped leaves arch upwards, contributing to the plant's majestic look. They are covered in a powdery-white waxy coating called farina, which gives them a silvery-grey to white appearance. Older leaves often develop a beautiful pink blush, especially during cooler months or when exposed to more sunlight. This farina protects the leaves from intense sunlight and should be handled carefully to avoid leaving fingerprints.  
Flowers: Mature plants produce tall flower spikes, typically in late winter or spring, reaching up to 50 cm in height. These spikes bear bell-shaped flowers that are salmon to orange on the exterior and often have yellow or red-coral interiors.  
Growth Habit: The Echeveria Mexican Giant is a slow grower and typically forms a solitary rosette, though mature plants may produce offsets (smaller plants that grow from the base).  
 
Care:
Light: This Echeveria thrives in bright, indirect sunlight to full sun. While it can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler months, gradual acclimatization is important to prevent sunburn. Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch (etiolate) and lose its compact shape and vibrant color.
Soil: It requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal. You can also create your own mix by combining regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.  
Watering: Like most succulents, the Echeveria Mexican Giant is drought-tolerant. Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common cause of failure. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period. Watering from the bottom or the side is preferable to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can wash off the farina and potentially lead to rot.  
Temperature and Humidity: It prefers warm, dry conditions and is generally hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Average household humidity is usually sufficient. Good ventilation is important, especially indoors, to prevent moisture buildup and potential fungal issues.  
Fertilizing: This plant has low fertilization needs. You can apply a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during the active growing season (spring and summer) if desired. Avoid fertilizing during the winter.
Repotting: Repotting is only necessary when the plant has outgrown its container. This is best done in the spring. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one and ensure it has good drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out before repotting, gently remove the plant, brush off excess soil from the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh succulent mix. Wait a few days before watering.
 
Propagation:
The Echeveria Mexican Giant can be propagated through several methods:
Offsets: As the plant matures, it may produce small offsets or "chicks" around its base. These can be carefully separated from the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife once they have developed their own roots. Allow the cut ends to callus (dry out) for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.
Leaf Cuttings: Gently remove a healthy, fully grown leaf from the rosette, ensuring a clean break without damaging the stem. Allow the leaf to dry and callus over for a few days. Place the calloused end on top of well-draining soil or partially insert it. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide indirect light. Roots and a new plantlet should eventually form at the base of the leaf. Once the new plantlet has established, it can be potted independently.
Beheading: If the plant becomes leggy (etiolated), the top rosette can be cut off, leaving a portion of the stem with some leaves. Allow the cut rosette to callus for a few days and then plant it in fresh soil. The original stem may also produce new offshoots.  
Seed: Propagation by seed is possible but is a slower and often more challenging method. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, keep them in a warm, bright location with high humidity until germination, and then gradually acclimate the seedlings to less humid conditions.  
 
The Echeveria Mexican Giant is a captivating succulent that makes a wonderful addition to any collection, whether grown indoors in a sunny location or outdoors in suitable climates. Its impressive size and elegant, powdery foliage make it a true "king" among Echeverias.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.