Echeveria shaviana 'Hime' is a charming miniature cultivar of Echeveria shaviana, celebrated for its beautifully ruffled, often intensely colored leaves that form a compact rosette. This delightful succulent offers a captivating textural element and vibrant hues, making it a sought-after addition for small spaces, fairy gardens, and collectors who appreciate miniature succulents.
 
Key Features of Echeveria shaviana 'Hime'
Miniature Rosette: As a 'Hime' (Japanese for princess or small) cultivar, it forms a significantly smaller rosette compared to the standard Echeveria shaviana.
Ruffled Leaf Margins: The leaves exhibit beautifully wavy and ruffled edges, giving the rosette a delicate and intricate appearance.
Intense Coloration: Often displays vibrant colors, ranging from shades of pink and purple to silvery-grey with pink highlights, which can intensify with cooler temperatures and brighter light.
Powdery Coating (Farina): The leaves are typically covered in a powdery white coating (farina) that enhances the pastel hues and provides protection. Handle with care to avoid smudging.
Compact Growth Habit: Remains a small and compact plant, making it ideal for small pots and tight spaces.
Potential for Offsets: Mature and healthy plants may produce small offsets or "chicks" around the base, allowing for easy propagation.
 
Care for Your Echeveria shaviana 'Hime'
Light: Requires bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its compact form and intense coloration. Some gentle morning sun or filtered afternoon sun is usually beneficial. Insufficient light can lead to stretching (etiolation) and duller colors.
Soil: Needs well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with extra perlite or pumice is highly recommended.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk for this miniature succulent. Reduce watering considerably during the dormant winter months.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is important, especially in more humid environments, to prevent moisture buildup on the ruffled leaves.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Miniature
Handling Farina: Due to the powdery coating, handle the leaves as little as possible to preserve their delicate appearance. Water from the base of the pot.
Removing Dead Leaves: Carefully remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the tiny rosette to maintain good hygiene. Use tweezers if necessary to avoid damaging the plant.
Repotting: Repot infrequently, only when the plant has clearly outgrown its small container. Choose a pot only slightly larger with excellent drainage. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
Pest Control: Monitor closely for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids, which can be more easily overlooked on small plants. Treat any infestations promptly and carefully.
Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy feeding. A very diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly once or twice during the active growing season (spring and summer).
 
Propagation Methods for Echeveria shaviana 'Hime'
Offsets (Chicks): Carefully separate the tiny offsets that develop around the base of the mother plant once they have developed some small roots. Plant them in their own small pots with well-draining soil.
Leaf Cuttings: While possible, leaf propagation can be more challenging with miniature Echeverias. Select healthy, plump leaves, allow the cut end to callus, and place them on top of well-draining soil. Provide bright, indirect light and be patient for new plantlets to emerge.
 
Echeveria shaviana 'Hime' is a delightful miniature succulent that captivates with its intricate ruffled leaves and often intense coloration. Its small size makes it a perfect gem for small spaces and collections, bringing a touch of delicate beauty and vibrant charm to any setting.
 
 
* 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.