Echeveria 'Lola'

Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a beautiful, compact succulent admired for its perfectly formed rosettes of fleshy, pastel-coloured leaves. Its delicate foliage features soft shades of silvery-grey, lavender and pale pink, often with a powdery coating that gives the plant an almost porcelain-like appearance. With its symmetrical shape and gentle colouring, this charming Echeveria makes a wonderful addition to a sunny windowsill or succulent collection.

Scientific Name
Echeveria ‘Lola’

Common Name(s)
Lola Echeveria, Mexican Hens and Chicks

Origin
A cultivated Echeveria hybrid, generally believed to have been developed from Echeveria lilacina and Echeveria derenbergii. The parent species originate from Mexico, where they grow in sunny, well-draining environments.

Light
Prefers very bright light with several hours of direct sunlight each day. A sunny south or west-facing windowsill is ideal. Plenty of light helps maintain its compact rosette shape and beautiful pastel colouring. Introduce plants gradually to stronger sunlight to prevent scorching.

Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Echeverias store moisture in their thick leaves and are particularly sensitive to overwatering. Reduce watering significantly during autumn and winter.

Humidity
Prefers low humidity and good airflow. Avoid particularly humid environments and do not mist the foliage, as moisture trapped between the leaves can encourage rot.

Soil
Use a very free-draining cactus and succulent mix with plenty of added mineral material such as perlite, pumice or grit. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

Food
Feed lightly every 6–8 weeks during spring and summer with a diluted cactus and succulent fertiliser. Little to no feeding is required during autumn and winter.

Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 15–27°C. Protect from frost and prolonged temperatures below 5°C, particularly when the soil is damp. It can be grown outdoors in a sunny, sheltered position during warmer months.

Pet-safe
Yes. Echeverias are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Sprouts Top Tips
Avoid touching or rubbing the leaves unnecessarily. The beautiful powdery coating, known as farina, helps protect the plant from strong sunlight and moisture loss. Once rubbed away, it does not regenerate on the affected areas.

Always water around the base of the plant rather than directly into the centre of the rosette, and give it plenty of sunlight to maintain its compact shape.

Extras
Echeveria ‘Lola’ naturally forms a neat, symmetrical rosette and may gradually produce offsets as it matures. Established plants can also develop slender flower stalks carrying delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, peach and yellow.

Its colouring can change subtly throughout the year, with cooler temperatures and brighter light often encouraging more pronounced pink and lavender tones.

Did You Know?
The soft, powdery coating on Echeveria ‘Lola’ is called farina, a natural wax that gives the leaves their beautiful frosted appearance.

This protective layer helps reflect intense sunlight and reduce water loss, allowing the plant to thrive in bright, relatively dry environments.