Echeveria elegans is a type of succulent known for its striking rounded leaf shape and transparent leaf margins that is also referred to as “ice edge”. With proper sun and temperature stress, some Echeveria elegans will turn into compact colorful jelly rosettes, and the transplant ice-edge will get distinctive red, which makes them delicate and popular among Echeveria lovers.

Taking care of Echeveria elegans is a breeze. These succulents are more prone to changing color than others. Likewise, the color of Echeveria elegance is also easy to fade. Excessive humidity or insufficient sunlight can cause the leaves of Echeveria elegans to turn green or pale blue, and the rosette can stretch out. This can make it challenging to identify specific varieties of this succulent. However, their dainty and lovely look has made them a top pick in the succulent community, especially for succulent newbies.

1. Echeveria elegans Mexican Snowball

USDA Zone: zone 9a-11b (from 20F to 50F)

Echeveria elegans is native to the semi-desert regions of Mexico. This origin is reflected in its common name, "Mexican Snowball".

The succulent plant showcases tight rosettes of fleshy, pale blue-green leaves. Mexican snowball features transparent leaf margins. These leaves are spoon-shaped, thick, and have a soft, powdery appearance due to a natural protective layer known as farina. Pale green leaves will turn to pink or orange jelly color in spring and autumn. Over time, with proper care, the main rosette (or mother plant) can produce several offsets, which can be likened to "chicks" surrounding the primary "hen." The plant also produces pink stems bearing bell-shaped pink or coral-colored flowers, usually in late winter or early spring.

2. Echeveria 'Alba Beauty'

USDA Zone: zone 10a-11b(from 30F to 50F)

Echeveria 'Alba Beauty' is a unique succulent native to rocky areas in Mexico and Central America.

It is admired for its large rosettes of densely packed, blue-green leaves with a pinkish tinge on the edges in sun. Under favorable conditions, Alba Beauty produces tall stalks adorned with bell-shaped, coral or pink-colored flowers during late winter or early spring. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for rock gardens, container gardens, or as an indoor plant, adding a touch of elegance and beauty wherever it is planted.

3. Echeveria elegans'hyaliana'

USDA Zone: Zone 10a-11b(from 30F to 50F)

Echeveria elegans 'Hyaliana' is a charming succulent native to the semi-arid landscapes of Mexico.

This variant exhibits tight rosettes of translucent, pale green leaves that turn pink and purple with patchy appearance.  The spoon-shaped leaves also form a neat rosette, showcasing a beautiful symmetrical pattern.

Like its relatives, Hyaliana can produce offsets around the primary rosette over time, depicting a captivating 'hen and chicks' display. During late winter to early spring, it sends up slender, arching stalks from which delicate pinkish orange, bell-shaped flowers appear. This succulent is perfect for rockeries, container gardens, or indoor displays, epitomizing a blend of simplicity and elegance.

4. Echeveria Dark Ice

USDA Zone: zone 10a-11b (from 30F to 50F)

Echeveria 'Dark Ice' is a splendid succulent native to the rocky terrains of Mexico.

Echeveria Dark Ice is a succulent variety of the Echeverias. Its spoon-shaped leaves are relatively thick, long, and flat, with obvious leaf tips. Covered with a layer of farina, the leaves are usually blue-green. With proper stress, the leaves will turn dark red or deep red, and the leaf edges will turn bright red, which is very charming.

In late winter to early spring, you can enjoy the beauty of yellow flowers on the plant that add a touch of drama to the serene foliage. Similarly, this Dark ice plant grows easily through leaf propagation and seed cultivation. How to Propagate Echeveria Dark Ice from Leaves.

5. Echeveria cv. Onslow

USDA Zone: zone 9a-11b (from 20F to 50F)

Echeveria Onslow plant tends to grow rapidly and produce side branches. Its leaves are a fresh light green color and have a thin layer of white powder on them. When provided with the appropriate temperature and sunlight, the leaves will turn yellow or even jelly-orange, resulting in more compact and delicate rosettes.

During late winter or early spring, orange flowers add a splash of color against the muted tones of the foliage.

6. Echeveria 'Suryeon'

USDA Zone: Zone 9b-11b (from 25F to 50F)

Echeveria 'Suryeon' is a summer-friendly variety. Its plump and thick leaves have a white powder coating on the surface. If not given enough sunlight, the compact rosette will stretch out. During spring and autumn, under temperature stress, the rosette will turn soft orange-red, and the leaf edges will have a bright red color, similar to a blooming lotus, which is enchanting. Taking care of Echeveria Suryeon is quite simple. When exposed to adequate sunlight and temperature difference, the orange-red rosette may transform into a jelly-like texture, adding a touch of elegance and delicacy to the plant.

In late winter to early spring, E. Suryeon may send up slender, arching flower stalks adorned with bell-shaped, coral, or pink-colored blossoms, enhancing its beauty further.

7. Echeveria 'Silhouette'

USDA Zone：zone 9a-11b(from 20F to 50F)

Echeveria 'Silhouette' is an enchanting succulent that showcases a remarkable display of thick, well-organized leaves that possess a broad and alluring shape. With proper sunlight and temperature stress, the back of pale green leaves will turn soft red, and the leaves easily get a distinctive jelly-like and transparent texture, which is a defining characteristic of the Echeveria elegans species.

8. Echeveria Hanatsukiyo

USDA Zone：zone 9a-11b(from 20F to 50F)

Echeveria Hanatsukiyo is a hybrid of Echeveria Pulidonis and Echeveria Laui.Its shape is similar to Pulidonis, but the leaves are thicker. With enough sunlight exposure, the green leaves will develop a red edge. Though often mistaken for Echeveria Suryeon, Hanatsukiyo is more transparent and has thinner leaves, while Suryeon has thicker leaves and more obvious pink edges.

9. Echeveria Elegans Raspberry

USDA Zone：zone 9a-11b(from 20F to 50F)

Echeveria Elegans 'Raspberry' is another well-known succulent from the Echeveria elegans species. It has small and dense blue-green leaves with a thin layer of white powder coating, similar to the Mexican Snowball. During the active seasons of autumn and winter, the succulent leaves turn into a beautiful jelly-peach pink color with transparent edges, making it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. E. Elegans 'Raspberry' is prone to producing clusters from its base stem, so it's important to avoid water accumulation at the bottom of the plant and grow clusters in succulent soil with more gritty rocks.

10. Echeveria elegans 'alba'

USDA Zone：zone 9a-11b(from 20F to 50F)

Echeveria elegans 'alba' belongs to the Echeveria genus of the Crassulaceae family. The leaves of Echeveria elegans 'alba' are thick and spoon-shaped with short, obvious tips and a thin layer of farina covering them. Pale green leaves will turn white and emit a peach-pink color while thriving. The rosette will become more compact and jelly-transparent, which makes E. elegans alba look like a piece of delicate crystal art.

How to Care for Echeveria Elegans Succulents?

Light/Location: Echeveria Elegans prefer bright indirect sunlight and can get sunburned in direct sunlight during summer. It is ideal to grow outdoors during spring and autumn as long as it has a sunshade and rain cover.

Water: Like most succulents, they require less water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and water the soil deeply to soak it. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. You can add perlite or pumice to improve drainage.

Temperature: The ideal temperature is 10-30℉. Although they can withstand temperatures down to about -7°F (-3.9°C), it is best to protect them from frost as prolonged exposure to cold can harm the plant.

Conclusion

Many succulent enthusiasts start their journey with Echeveria, a main genus of the Crassulaceae family. Echeveria elegans is a beloved succulent type that is part of the Echeveria family and has a wide fan base. There are numerous types of Echeveria elegans succulents, which can be difficult to differentiate due to their all primary green leaves. However, their distinctive characteristics become more noticeable as their leaves undergo a change in color.

Some species of Echeveria elegans, like flowers, hold symbolic meanings. Echeveria elegans 'alba' symbolizes gentleness, beauty, and "I miss you". For those who are just starting out with succulents, Echeveria elegans is a fantastic and uncomplicated option.