Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metallica’

Cultivation history and natural range of Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metallica’

‘Metallica’ has long been grown as a named form of Echeveria gibbiflora.

Echeveria gibbiflora is a large species native to Mexico. At Pedregal de San Ángel in Mexico City, it grows at 2,290–2,310 m on young basalt lava among dry shrubland. Its tall red flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds.

Care for a mature Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metallica’

• Potting mix and stability: Use an airy, free-draining succulent mix. An older ‘Metallica’ can become top-heavy, so choose a broad, stable pot that supports the crown and gives the roots a little room to grow.
• Light: Very bright light supports sturdy leaves and stronger bronze-purple colour. After time in lower light, add direct sunlight in stages.
• Watering beneath the crown: The broad rosette shades the pot surface, so let the mix dry well deeper down before watering thoroughly.
• Feeding: A little complete fertiliser is enough while the crown is making fresh leaves or a flower stalk. Pause feeding when growth slows.
• Temperature and airflow: Normal indoor temperatures suit ‘Metallica’. Keep it frost-free and allow air to circulate around its broad leaves. Cooler or more humid rooms need longer gaps between waterings.
• Repotting and propagation: Repot if the plant becomes unstable, roots are crowded or drainage slows. A healthy crown on a long, firm stem can be cut off for propagation. Let the cut surface dry and seal, then set the crown in fresh mix to form new roots.
• After flowering: Remove the branched flower stalk near its base after the final flowers are spent.

Troubleshooting Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metallica’

• A firm bare stem appears below a healthy crown: This is normal as a stem-forming plant ages. In weak light, new leaves grow farther apart and the crown becomes looser. Remove lower leaves only once they are fully dry and loose, and keep debris away from the exposed stem.
• A grey-brown or black patch spreads up the stem and leaves begin to drop: Stem rot is likely. Cut above the affected area with a disinfected blade until the remaining tissue is completely firm and healthy. Discard the diseased stem, let the cut dry and set the healthy crown in fresh mix to form new roots.
• Dark leaf spots keep enlarging or develop sunken centres: This can point to a leaf disease. Move the plant away from close neighbours, remove badly affected leaves with clean tools and keep the foliage dry. If treatment is needed, use a product labelled for that disease on ornamental plants and follow the label for repeat applications.
• Broad pale-brown areas appear after a much sunnier move: The exposed leaves have scorched. Reduce direct sun while the plant adjusts, then increase it gradually.
• Aphids cover the tall flower stalk or mealybugs collect along the stem: Check the whole crown and exposed stem because the large plant offers several hiding places. Remove visible pests, then use a product labelled for the identified pest on ornamental plants and follow its directions for any repeat treatment.

Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metallica’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

When was Echeveria gibbiflora first published, and what does it mean?

Echeveria commemorates Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy. Gibbiflora refers to swollen or gibbous flowers.

Augustin Pyramus de Candolle established the genus Echeveria in 1828 in Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, volume 3, page 401.

Augustin Pyramus de Candolle first described Echeveria gibbiflora in 1828 in Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, volume 3, page 401.