Echeveria setosa, commonly known as Mexican Fire Cracker, is an evergreen succulent native to semi-desert habitats in Southern Mexico. This plant forms compact spherical rosettes reaching up to 4 cm (2 in) in height and 30 cm (12 in) in width. The rosettes are composed of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that are densely covered in white hairs, which serve to reflect sunlight and conserve water. The hairs, or glochids, can be irritating to the skin upon contact. In spring, Echeveria setosa produces striking 30 cm (12 in) long stalks bearing red flowers with yellow tips, which are particularly attractive to pollinators such as hummingbirds.

The Mexican Fire Cracker is valued for its unique texture and form, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, container displays, and as a ground cover in warm climates. Its drought tolerance and low water requirements make it an excellent plant for xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-draining soils. While it is hardy in subtropical regions like Southern California, it requires protection from frost and should be grown in containers or under glass with heat in colder climates. During the summer, it can be placed outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather. Echeveria setosa is relatively low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may attract mealybugs.CC BY-SA 4.0