Wide, rounded, thin bluish-gray leaves form impressive rosettes reaching 15–20 cm in diameter at maturity. What’s more, the plant produces multiple offsets on short stems that can grow up to about 30 cm tall, creating enticing colonies with dramatic impact. It’s no exaggeration to call this the most famous Echeveria in Japan—you’ll often spot mature 'Shichifukujin' thriving in front yards and under eaves across Japanese homes.
For a long time, the name 'Shichifukujin' has been associated in the literature with either the 'Secunda' @ or the 'Imbricata' @ , but in recent years, because there isn’t definitive information to link either, many experts suggest it may be best to treat 'Shichifukujin' as its own cultivar. According to Dr. Hanagane’s “Echeveria Wild Species,” among the synonyms of 'Secunda,' the plant most closely resembles 'Alpina' @ .
| Season Type | Sp/Fa |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun Partial Shade |
| Hardiness | -1℃ / 30℉ |
| Blooming Season | - |
Gray display shows general information for Echeveria.
| Disclaimer & Notice | PUKUBOOK is created and operated by an individual as a hobby. Our basic policy prioritizes "fun" over "accuracy," so please be careful when using or reposting content.For more details on our publication policy, click here |
|---|
It’s no exaggeration to say that 'Shichifukujin' is the most famous Echeveria in Japan. It's so well-attuned to Japanese conditions that it's sometimes said to have "naturalized"—one reason for its popularity is how robustly it grows even when left alone in the ground. It’s not unusual to see it planted under typical Japanese garden hedges or near the entrance of traditional homes.
!1-You can often spot it planted in garden hedges
Before we even thought of it as a "succulent" or an "Echeveria," it was already a familiar presence—much like Aloe or Money Tree—that lived quietly in everyday landscapes.
It forms dense colonies of 15-cm rosettes. Depending on sun and airflow, the rosettes can fill a space tightly, forming an unbroken carpet of plants. When potted, the look often reminds people of the legendary treasure ship carrying the Seven Lucky Gods—perhaps that’s how it got its name (just my personal theory, haha).
Interestingly, the actual origins of what we call 'Shichifukujin' aren’t clearly known. There are two main contenders: one is 'Imbricata' @ , the other is 'Secunda' @ . 'Imbricata' itself is known to be a hybrid of 'Secunda' and 'Metallica' @ , making them essentially parent and offspring.
Yet, these two taxa aren’t always clearly distinguished in practice. Even when comparing photos, meaningful differences aren’t easy to spot… Leaf shape and color seem more influenced by growing conditions and season than taxonomy.
According to the International Crassulaceae Network (ICN), the distinctions are: (1) different stem form, (2) flower shape varies, and (3) 'Imbricata' produces fewer offsets.
Hmm… It seems I need to study this a bit more.
This plant thrives in Japanese conditions—even when planted in the ground and left unattended. However, like many succulents, it loves sun and is susceptible to humidity. Its thinner leaves store a bit less water, making it somewhat sensitive to drought (I’ve even lost a few myself…). Be especially careful with young offsets.
CREATIVE COMMONS BY-NC 2026
PUKUBOOK SOME RIGHTS RESERVED.
BenefitFewer ads for a cleaner display♪
