Echeveria lilacina is a unique variety from the echeveria genus. It is also known as the ghost echeveria. This is because of its gray, pale succulent leaves which give it a dramatic look. The exotic succulent can be found growing in North and Central America (Mexico).
Like the Dudleya, the echeveria ghost plant has a rosette-like growth pattern. It grows in an upward direction. It is also subject to color change depending on the climate. In the hot season, its foliage changes to pink. But in the cold winter, it adopts a lilac blue hue. And it produces pale pink blooms in springtime that have been described as beautiful.
The Echeveria ghosty variety is best used as an ornamental plant indoors. It is also suitable for a rock garden.
| Botanical Name | Echeveria lilacina |
| Common Names | Ghost echeveria |
| Origin | North and Central America, Mexico |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent Perennial |
| Full Size | 5 to 6 inches tall |
| Sun Exposure | Full or direct sunlight, can tolerate filtered sunlight |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, acidic, sandy soil mix |
| Toxicity | Can be toxic when ingested by people and pets |
Echeveria Ghost Types
Most if not all varieties of the Echeveria lilacina are hybrid plants. Here are some to look out for:
- Echeveria lilac dream
- Echeveria moondust
- Echeveria lola
- Echeveria orion
Echeveria Lilacina Care
Like most echeveria species, the ghost echeveria is a low-maintenance succulent. It grows in most climatic conditions. And it has basic light, water, soil, temperature, and fertilizer needs.
Light Needs For The Echeveria Ghost Plant
You should provide plenty of sunlight exposure for your ghost echeveria. This should be between 5 to 7 hours of direct or full sunlight a day. Since they can be grown outdoors and indoors, meeting their lighting needs should be easy.
Place the pitted echeveria species next to a south-facing window. This should be done when growing the plant indoors. For outdoors, consider a little shade from the harsh afternoon sun of the heating season. But for cooler months, you can leave them out all day.
If you can’t meet its light requirements, then consider investing in grow lights. Ensure it receives enough light each day, or else the plant can grow very leggy. It could also end up with stunted growth. Good lighting is essential to proper growth.
The Echeveria Watering Needs
As a succulent, the ghost echeveria is drought tolerant. It can go long periods without being watered and still thrive. But water is necessary for proper growth. So water the plant according to the climate.
Overwatering the plant can be bad. It is susceptible to damage from harmful bacteria. This can lead to root rot.
It is best to wait between watering sessions for the soil to dry before watering. You can achieve this with a moisture meter. Or you can feel the top part of the soil with your finger before watering.
Ensure you make use of rainwater, as tap water might be too harsh for its delicate leaves. This shouldn’t be a problem when growing the echeveria lilacina outdoors.
Echeveria Lilacina Soil Requirements
Because the echeveria is sensitive to excessive water, you need well-draining soil. You can achieve this with a sand-soil cactus mix. Add in some coco coir, peat moss, and a little organic compost.
Aim for soil that is a little acidic in nature. A pH level between 6.5 and 7.0 is perfect for the echeveria variety.
Echeveria Lilacina Temperature and Humidity Requirements
High-humid areas are terrible for the ghost echeveria. They prefer a hot and dry climate, like the desert. You can provide this indoors, ensuring you don’t mist the plant often. Keep them away from the bathroom or kitchen. These spaces are very humid.
Temperature should be kept between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The exotic plant is not frost-hardy, so keep them away from cold windows.
Ghost Echeveria Fertilizer Requirement
Fertilizers might do more harm than good to the ghost echeveria. If you must fertilize the plant, then do it once a year. This should be at the start of spring. Use a low-strength fertilizer, a liquid-based fertilizer would be ideal.
Propagating The Ghost Echeveria Plant
You can propagate the ghost echeveria through one method. And that would be by dividing the leaf cuttings and the offset. Ensure you wear protective gloves before doing this. And ensure all tools are sterilized before use.
Common Health Problems of The Ghost Echeveria
Most echeverias are pests free and the Ghost echeveria is no exception. They can have occasional disturbances from the following:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Root rot
Frequently Asked Questions
The Echeveria Perle is one of the most beautiful echeveria species in existence.
Echeverias can live for decades depending on the care they receive.
Echeverias are slow growing plants. But the Prolifica echeveria has a moderate growth rate.
A shallow pot is always better than a deep pot when dealing with succulents. The pot should be 10% wider than the plant.
Ensure you don’t overwater the plant. Use well-draining soil to prevent excess moisture.
