Echeveria gibbiflora, commonly known as Ruffled Echeveria, is a succulent plant type native to semi-arid habitats, including rocky slopes and cliffs in Mexico. It forms large, distinctive rosettes typically composed of up to 15 fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves. This species is particularly noted for its tall flowering stems, which can reach up to 3 feet in height, and its red, tubular flowers that bloom from September to January. The flowers are quite showy and attract nectar-seeking hummingbirds, adding an ecological benefit to its cultivation.

Ruffled Echeveria is valued for its ease of maintenance and drought tolerance, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, container plantings, and as a ground cover in xeriscaped areas. It thrives in well-draining soil, requires minimal water once established, and prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant’s ornamental appeal is enhanced by its cultivars, such as ’Carunculata’ with its carunculated (wart-like) leaf patterns and ’Metallica’ which boasts a metallic sheen. While generally disease-free, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is also used in Mexican folk medicine as a contraceptive, though this use is not widely supported by scientific research.CC BY-SA 4.0