• Echeveria species are rosette-shaped succulents.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Echeveria Etna is a warty cultivar of Echevaria gibbiflora. This blue-green succulent is originally native to Mexico. Echevaria species are widely grown houseplants, due to their hardiness and durability, but can also be grown outside in warmer climates. Taking care of Etna and other echevarias is relatively simple, but these plants do have a few special requirements.
  
  

Cultivar

• The Etna cultivar was originally developed by Dick Wright and Denise Manley, and is a hybrid of Mauna Loa and Barbillion. It has waxy, blue-gray leaves with warty bumps on the surface. The leaves are arranged in an irregular rosette. Older or stressed plants develop peach, purple, red or mauve warts, while younger plants tend to be consistently colored throughout. This cultivar takes its volcanic name from its texture, which is reminiscent of the bubbles in lava flows.
  
  

Temperature

• Echevarias, including Etna, are frost-tender evergreen perennials. They prefer warm climates, such as U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 10 and 11, which includes southern Texas, parts of California, Hawaii and southern Florida. These plants can also be grown as container plants in colder zones, provided that growers bring them indoors when cold weather is expected.
  
  

Soil

• Like other succulents, echeveria Etna requires well-drained soil with a high percentage of grit or sand. Provide a layer of drainage material in the bottom of pots for container echeveria. Otherwise, these plants can be planted in a soil-based compost or multipurpose mix. To grow larger, showier succulents, feed every three weeks, using a cactus or tomato fertilizer.
  
  

Water

• Avoid overwatering echevaria species. These plants are originally native to dry, desert-like habitats and prefer sparse watering. In winter, provide just enough moisture to keep plants from shriveling, and increase watering as the temperature climbs. Water generously in hot weather, but always allow the soil to dry out between irrigation sessions. Decrease watering again in the fall to allow the plants to go partially dormant.
  
  

Propagation

• Echeveria Etna does not grow true from seed, but can be propagated from offsets or cuttings. These plants often grow smaller plants, called pups or offsets, with their own root systems. Detach these plants and place them in their own pots for easy propagation. Alternatively, remove a healthy leaf from the parent plant and place it in a warm, dry place for 10 days. Then place it on slightly damp, gritty soil to grow a new plantlet.