Origin and Habitat: Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar) The standard species is from Southern Mexico, mountains of Oaxaca and Puebla. There are several natural varieties of this variable species. Most are endemic to small areas of Mexico, and are in danger of extinction in the wild.

• Echeveria setosa f. cristata hort.

• Echeveria setosa var. ciliata (R.Moran) R.Moran
• Echeveria ciliata R.Moran

• Echeveria setosa var. deminuta J.Meyran
• Echeveria rondelii Sterk

Description: The Echeveria setosaSN|12352]]SN|12352]] (standard form) is a very distinct succulent, with a remarkable pubescence. It is a very variable slowly clustering rosette succulent freely giving off offsets from the base and readily forming dense mounds. Many variety and cultivars - often quite different at a first glance - are nowadays available in cultivation.
Stem: Almost stemless.
Rosettes: Globose to flattish which stand out very distinctly. About 5-20 cm, in diameter depending on variety. Leaves numerous, sometimes 100 or more. Because of the density of the hairs the centre of the rosette is often white, which gives a wonderful contrast to the outer margins of the rosettes.
Leaves: Small, densely packed spatulate-shaped, convex on both sides, narrow, glaucous or dark-green that in the winter assumes a green-red colouring , almost glabrous to very furry with stiff, glistening hairs, depending on the variety. The most common forms in cultivation have a complete covering of shining, glassy white, soft fuzz.
Flowers: The flowers are the most distinctive and recognisable feature of this species , they are displayed in erect, arched helicoid cymes from each rosette that reach from about 15 cm to 20 cm tall, each with about 6 to 9 florets. In larger groups of rosettes, often of the inflorescences are branched. The flowers are red and yellow simple or 2 branched second cincinni. The corolla campanulate or ovoid urceolate, prominently pentagonal.
Blooming season: Spring and early summer.
Crested form: The rare crested form produces magnificent, fun shaped silvery, leaf rosettes and may assumes many fascinating shapes.

Bibliography: Major references and further lectures.
1) Werner Rauh “The Wonderful World of Succulents: Cultivation and Description of Selected Succulent Plants Other Than Cacti” Smithsonian Institution Press, 1984
2) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey "The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass" Cambridge University Press, 11/ago/2011
3) Hermann Jacobsen ”A Handbook of Succulent Plants: Abromeitiella to Euphorbia” Blandford Press, 1960

Cultivation and Propagation: Echeveria are easily grown succulents that can tolerate sun, shade, moist soils, dry soils, but look their best only when given adequate light levels and water, and ideally should be grown outdoors in full sun. Generally speaking, the more light a plant gets the better it will display its colours and shape. Bright light is required to prevent "stretching" of Echeverias ("stretching" occurs when a moderately fast growing plant such as an Echeveria, is grown in dim light or over-fertilized, which causes overly lush growth that contributes to weak, pallid plants). However, when moving plants from lower light conditions into full sun, be wary of sun scorch resulting from too rapid a transition into intense summer sunlight, most easily avoided by ensuring plants are well-watered before moving them on a cloudy day. Echeveria are able to tolerate extended dry periods and survive drought without the need for watering, but they will grow stronger if they receive adequate moisture during their growing season, but never allowing the plant to remain waterlogged (root rot sensitive). For this reason, it is essential in cultivation to use a very porous soil, which will allow quick drainage. Avoid overhead watering under humid conditions, especially during winter. Echeveria are shallow rooted plants, and therefore benefit from good levels of organic matter in the soil. Give it enough root space for optimum growth. Slow release fertilisers with a low to moderate nitrogen content incorporated into the potting mix are usually adequate for the spring and summer growing seasons of Echeveria, and additional fertiliser applications would not normally be required until spring. Good air movement is important for minimising pest and disease risks, and avoiding excessive humidity in cool winter conditions is important to successfully growing Echeveria in the nursery environment. Can tolerate light frosts. however, the ideal temperature range during the summer growing season is 5-25°C, with the cooler autumn temperatures tending to make their foliage colours become more intense than those of the active summer growing season. Aphids like this plant (and all flowering Echeverias).
Propagation: It is easily propagated by cuttings in the spring. When the stem becomes too tall, just cut the top rosette with a piece of stem and plant it. It will soon take root, while the plant left with just the stem will soon grow new buds that can be in turn used for propagation. Time to take cuttings: April to July. It may also propagated by leaf propagation. If the plant is repotted some of the bottom leaves can be removed, in order to attempt propagation.. However some of the cuttings will dry out without producing a plantlet.