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White cloud plant facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Echeveria cante, also known as the white cloud plant, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which includes many succulent plants. This plant naturally grows in the northwestern part of Zacatecas state in Mexico.

Echeveria cante is a type of succulent. This means it has thick, fleshy parts that store water, helping it survive in dry places. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award is given to plants that are excellent for gardening.


Quick facts for kids
White cloud plant
Echeveria cante.jpg
In bloom
Kew Gardens - London - September 2008 (2954306842).jpg
At Kew Gardens
Scientific classification
Genus:
Echeveria
Species:
cante

What is Echeveria cante?

Echeveria cante is a very striking plant. It forms a large, open rosette of leaves. Imagine a flower shape made of leaves, spreading out like a rose. The leaves are a pale, silvery-white color. They are also covered in a powdery coating. This coating helps protect the plant from strong sunlight.

Where does Echeveria cante grow?

This plant is native to a specific region in Mexico. It comes from the northwestern part of the Zacatecas state. This area is known for its dry, rocky landscapes. The plant has adapted well to these conditions.

How does it look?

The leaves of Echeveria cante can grow quite large. They can be up to 15 inches (38 cm) long and 5 inches (13 cm) wide. The edges of the leaves often have a reddish tint. This color can become more noticeable when the plant is exposed to bright sunlight.

Flowers and Stems

When Echeveria cante blooms, it sends up a tall flower stalk. This stalk can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The flowers are bell-shaped and hang downwards. They are usually reddish-pink on the outside and yellow or orange on the inside. These bright colors attract pollinators.

Echeveria cante
Echeveria cante when it is flowering.

Growing Echeveria cante

Because it is a succulent, Echeveria cante is quite easy to care for. It needs a lot of sunlight to grow well. It also needs soil that drains water quickly. This prevents its roots from rotting.

Caring for your plant

It's important not to overwater this plant. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. During winter, it needs even less water. If you live in a cold place, you might need to bring it indoors. This plant does not like frost.

Why is it special?

Echeveria cante is popular with plant collectors. Its large size and beautiful silvery leaves make it stand out. The Royal Horticultural Society recognized its beauty and ease of growth. This is why they gave it the Award of Garden Merit. This award helps people know which plants are good choices for their gardens.

Kew Gardens - London - September 2008 (2954306842)
Echeveria cante growing at Kew Gardens in London.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Echeveria cante para niños

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