Echeveria lilacina Kimnach & Moran
Ghost Echeveria
Echeveria lilacina, popularly known as 'ghost echeveria', is a rosette-forming succulent in the family Crassulaceae, endemic to the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, where it grows in rocky canyons at elevations of 1,200–1,800 m. Its leaves are a striking lilac-grey to pearlescent white, covered in dense pruina that gives the plant its ghostly appearance and protects it from intense solar radiation. The rosette reaches approximately 15 cm in diameter and is highly prized in succulent collections for its unique coloration.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Echeveria |
| Growth Habit | Solitary, stemless rosette with slow growth; rarely produces offsets, making it scarcer in the market than other echeverias. Can reach 15 cm in diameter over several years of cultivation. |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient (DD) per IUCN. Its very restricted range in Tamaulipas and collection for the ornamental trade place it as a species of special conservation concern. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Very nutrient-poor, stony mineral soil with a calcareous fraction. High porosity and instant drainage are essential. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Fleshy, spatulate leaves, 4–6 cm long, lilac-grey to very pale pinkish-white, completely covered in thick waxy pruina. Margins are entire and slightly pinkish; the apex has a small pinkish mucro. The pruina should not be touched with fingers to avoid smudging.
ecoInflorescence a cyme on a floral stalk 25–35 cm tall. Bell-shaped flowers, pink-coral to soft red with yellow or orange tips. Blooms from winter to spring, often the only sign that the plant is active.
ecoVirtually absent; the rosette arises directly from the substrate. In very old plants a short stem of 2–4 cm may develop.
ecoFibrous and fleshy roots adapted to rock crevices and very stony soils. Relatively sensitive to rot if kept moist for extended periods.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very nutrient-poor, stony mineral soil with a calcareous fraction. High porosity and instant drainage are essential.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Remove the leaf with extreme care, without touching the pruina surface, using a twisting motion.
- 2 Callous in ventilated shade for 48–72 hours.
- 3 Place on dry mineral substrate without burying; temperature 22–26 °C.
- 4 Mist very gently every 5–7 days. The process is slower than in other echeverias: 6–10 weeks.
- 1 Offsets are rare; separate only when they have visible roots of their own.
- 2 Callous the cut for 24 hours in a dry, ventilated location.
- 3 Plant in ultra-draining substrate and water for the first time after 10 days.
Always handle with gloves or tools to avoid damaging the pruina.
Touching the leaves with fingers, permanently damaging the pruina.
Every 3 years in spring; this species prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Very dilute cactus fertilizer (one quarter dose), once at the beginning of spring only. Excess nutrients produce soft leaves and loss of coloration.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic. No reports of toxicity to humans or domestic animals. The pruina does not cause irritation on contact.
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Plant Health
Mealybug: difficult to detect due to the white pruina; inspect periodically with a magnifying glass and treat with isopropyl alcohol.
Root rot from overwatering; the most common cause of loss of this species in cultivation.
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"The dense pruina of Echeveria lilacina is an evolutionary adaptation to reflect intense UV radiation in the canyons of Tamaulipas, where rock surfaces amplify sunlight. This waxy layer is so delicate that a simple fingerprint leaves a permanent mark, so collectors handle it with thin fabric gloves or wooden tools. The species was described by Kimnach and Moran in 1962 and remains relatively rare in the wild."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.