The pedicles are much longer on H. blossfeldiae than H. striatum and the flowers are larger and much more loose. Mine is readying to bloom so I will post pictures soon. H. blossfeldiae is indeed a true species that is accustomed to sandy beaches with lots of salt spray. I can post more scientific information that distinguishes the two species later but that doesn't generally help most people. Unless you can document the offending plants with measurements or provide pictures you may never find your match. H. petiolatum is considered a synonym for H. striatum now so that narrows it down for you! H. blossfeldiae is found in a few small populations and isn't nearly as cultivated as H. striatum. H. striatum flowers freely throughout the year, some of my clones bloom two or three times. H. blossfeldiae is a much more restricted bloomer usually flowering once a year. Many clones of H. striatum are tetraploid which makes it easier to cross with the dutch hybrid plants.

1. Sterilize substrate (3+ minutes in microwave or 50 mins in oven) 2. Planters should be about 1.5 inches deep. Fill a container with good draining soil. Good drainage is important, 50% regular potting soil with 50% coarse sand, perlite or pebbles (~0.15 inch) 3. Echeverias have tiny seeds which should not be covered with soil. They germinate best at 18-20 °C temperatures. 4. Equally Water the substrate with water - placie a piece of a napkin on top of the substrate and slowly pour the water over it. 5. Let the container soak up water for 5 minutes. Leave the container to drain out the water surplus. 6. Spread the seeds over the substrate, leave some space between them. 7. Put the whole container into a zip bag to keep humidity 8. Avoid exposing to direct sunlight, but provide them light on some bright place. 9. The germination process usually starts within 4 days – 2 weeks 10. Start opening the container gradually so that the seedlings can get used to the new air conditions. Seedlings need some moisture, substrate shouldn’t be dry, but don’t overwater. and they need an ample amount of light – but not direct sunlight 11. Repot them when you notice that seedlings are space-limited 12. Examine pots daily for fungus infection. Treat with fungicide if appears 13. Buy only fresh echeveria seeds, and only from reputable sources, like www.rareplant.me

Blanca, thanks for posting the link:) Beatrice, I had wondered where he was located. His website is so easy to navigate and the pictures are amazing. Having pictures of so many different species that I had not been aware of and all in one place was wonderful! If you see him post in FB, please thank him for taking the time to create it :) I know this is probably asking a lot, but if cultivation methods could be added to the pictures that would be really nice!!:-)) Seriously, having cultivation methods for all the species in one place would really be great. I know there are places that describe where they grow but I find that difficult to translate into information that helps me, a simple gardener. I am sure for the scientists, botanists and avid species growers, saying what altitude a bulb grows at, or that it grows at the edge of forests, probably gives a lot of information, but I find myself guessing at what that means:)). I know FB is good for asking specific questions on specific species, but having them all in one place would be amazing. I know the Pacific Bulb Society has a lot of information, but again, a lot are pics are in situ, describing where they grow, rather than the conditions we would have to create to be successful growing them. So if you know of a place like this, please let me know! I am so sorry that you are disappointed with your papilio. I think its beautiful, but when you were hoping for one thing and get another - I know how that feels. I bought it because it was self fertile and because it looked a little different from the other papilio - and it does. It is more red and more open and I like them both:) Are you going to try to self it? Unfortunately, in moving a lot of things around, last years seeds were thrown out and I didn't keep a log so...but this is another year and more opportunities. Jody

Thanks Fred. It's actually a lovely cream with some green in it. I've seen pictures of some that are quite green with darker markings but I'm happy with mine. Cindy, that was Jody! ;-) But I am certainly sorry you are battling drought! Last summer we had nearly the entire summer without rain in my neck of the woods, not pleasant to go through especially when just 50 miles or so north they had more rain than us. Good luck with the watering! Donna☺☺