A few hardier denizens occupy rocky hillsides in the Peruvian Andes. All require excellent drainage, especially during their normal resting periods. In their native habitats, they survive on seasonal rainfall, utilizing the water stored in their leaves in times of drought. In the garden, all appreciate supplemental watering during the growing season, as well as the addition of growth promoting compost. I grow my plants in a mix of 3 parts Pro-Mix BX mixed with 2 parts compost and 2 parts Turface.
Experts disagree on the subject of fertilization.
Mealy bugs and aphids are the only pests that afflict Echeverias. I use a cotton swab doused in rubbing alcohol to kill the mealy bugs. Aphids are crushed by hand. A few species will grow from leaf cuttings, but I have found this to be true only when the plant is in active growth, and then a new plantlet is only produced if the leaf is laid on top of the soil. I find that even slightly burying the leaf leads to rot.