The Echeveria agavoides, often called the "Lipstick Echeveria" or "Molded Wax Agave," is a captivating and popular succulent native to the rocky, arid regions of Central Mexico. Its name, agavoides, reflects its resemblance to the Agave plant, though it belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This stemless succulent forms striking rosettes of thick, fleshy, triangular leaves, typically growing to about 8-12 cm in height and 7-15 cm in diameter.  
 
Appearance and Varieties
The leaves of Echeveria agavoides are usually a vibrant green, often with distinctive reddish or bronze tips and sometimes red margins, especially when exposed to bright sunlight. This coloration intensifies with more light, adding to its visual appeal. Several named forms and cultivars exist, showcasing variations in color and leaf shape, such as:  
'Lipstick': Known for its prominent bright red tips.
'Ebony': Features dark purplish-brown to almost black margins on its leaves.
'Rubra': Displays dark reddish leaves in a tight rosette.
'Oculus': Exhibits an entirely burgundy-reddish color.
'Rose Garnet': Has faint neon-green leaves with magenta pink tips that mature to red.
'Salu': Forms a tight rosette of pale green leaves lightly tipped with red.
In late spring and summer, mature plants produce slender, single-sided flower stalks, up to 50 cm long, bearing bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, orange, or red with yellow petal tips.  
 
Care and Maintenance
Echeveria agavoides is generally an easy-to-care-for succulent, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. Here are some key care tips:
Light: It thrives in bright, indirect light to full sun. Ample sunlight enhances the vibrant colors of the leaves. Indoors, a south or west-facing window is ideal. Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch and lose its compact shape and intense coloration.
Watering: Like most succulents, it prefers the "soak and dry" method. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, and allow the excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common problem for Echeverias. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
Soil: A well-draining soil mix is crucial. Use a commercial cactus or succulent potting mix, or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or sand to improve drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.  
Temperature and Humidity: It prefers warm temperatures between 15-23°C and can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to -6°C for short periods. Low to medium humidity is ideal; avoid placing it in overly humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens. Protect from frost.
Fertilizing: This plant is a light feeder and generally doesn't require much fertilizer. A diluted, balanced fertilizer applied once or twice during the spring and summer growing season is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Potting: Repotting is only necessary when the plant outgrows its container, typically every 2-3 years. Spring or summer is the best time to repot. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
 
Propagation
Echeveria agavoides can be propagated through several methods:
Offsets (Pups): Mature plants often produce small offsets around their base. These can be carefully separated once they have developed their own roots and planted in fresh soil. Allow the cut to callous over for a day or two before planting.
Leaf Cuttings: Gently remove a healthy, plump leaf from the rosette, ensuring no part of the leaf remains on the stem. Allow the leaf to callous over for a few days, then lay it on top of well-draining soil. Roots and a new rosette will eventually form. Water sparingly until the new plantlet is established.
Stem Cuttings: If the plant has a stem or if a rosette is removed, the stem can be allowed to callous and then planted in soil to root.
Seed: While possible, propagation by seed is a slower and more challenging method.
 
With its striking appearance and relatively easy care, the Echeveria agavoides makes a wonderful addition to succulent collections, rock gardens, or as an eye-catching indoor plant. Its diverse forms and colors offer a wide range of choices for plant enthusiasts.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.