Mexican Snowball
Echeveria elegans
Mexican Snowball forms tight, rose-like rosettes of spoon-shaped silvery-blue or pale green leaves coated in powdery farina. Native to semi-desert Mexico, it can send up arching stalks of pinkish-red flowers tipped with yellow in late winter and spring.
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Low
Pet Friendly
This plant is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.
Care Notes
Light
Give at least 6 hours of bright, direct sun. Indoors, a south window is best. Low light stretches the rosette and softens its compact shape.
Water
Soak thoroughly until water drains out, then wait until the soil is fully dry. Do not let water pool in the center of the rosette, which can cause crown rot. In winter dormancy, water roughly every 4 to 6 weeks.
Soil
Use a gritty cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice. Terracotta pots with drainage holes help moisture leave the soil.
Humidity and Temperature
Low humidity is fine. Protect the plant from temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Keep air moving so moisture does not linger on the leaves.
Common Issues
Mushy, translucent leaves mean overwatering. Shriveled leaves mean it needs a drink. Check leaf crevices for mealybugs.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Liquid succulent-specific fertilizer
Soil
Gritty, fast-draining succulent mix with high inorganic content
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
4-8 inches wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and offsets (pups)
Common Varieties
Echeveria elegans 'Rosea'
Compact silvery-blue rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves with soft rose-pink edges and a powdery finish.
Echeveria elegans 'Kesselringiana'
Thick, rounded pale-green leaves packed into a tight, globular rosette with a frosted look.
Echeveria elegans var. simulans
Compact silvery-blue spoon-shaped leaves with delicate, translucent, slightly wavy margins.