Echeveria agavoides, commonly known as the "Lipstick Echeveria," is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Native to Mexico, this plant gets its nickname from its bright red, pointed leaves that resemble lipstick. It grows in a rosette shape and can reach up to 6 inches in diameter.
This succulent prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. While Echeveria agavoides thrives in bright sunlight, it can also tolerate partial shade.
During the summer months, the plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers on tall stalks. These flowers are typically pink or red, but they can also be yellow or orange.
The Lipstick Echeveria is a beautiful succulent known for its spoon-shaped leaves and lotus-like form. Its leaves feature small tips at the ends and exhibit a vibrant golden or yellow-green hue, making it a visually appealing plant. FUN FACT · FROM THE LIBRARY
Echeveria agavoides is popular as an ornamental plant because of its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. It can be grown indoors or outdoors in containers or garden beds, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Lipstick echeveria has moderate resistance to disease and is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes susceptible to illness when humidity is high and is likely to develop root rot while dormant. Regarding care, Lipstick echeveria tolerates drought but requires increased watering during the growing season. Watering should be sharply reduced or halted entirely during dormancy. Lipstick echeveria is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be challenging to maintain, especially during dormancy. It is particularly well suited to those who can dedicate time to its care over the winter months.
How to keep Echeveria Agavoides.
Light
Lipstick echeveria performs best when exposed to sunlight all day, though it can tolerate locations with some shade. Coming from sun-rich regions, it grows most effectively under those conditions. Excessive shading can cause it to stretch and lose color, while overly strong sun can scorch it.
Water
Lipstick echeveria is a drought-tolerant plant that conserves water in its succulent leaves, needing watering only once every three weeks. As an evergreen perennial, it thrives indoors, where consistent temperatures help it retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
The lipstick echeveria grows best at temperatures from 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃) and comes from regions with warm climates. In hot conditions, provide some shade or limit direct sunlight. In cooler months, move it indoors because it is prone to frost damage.
Fertilizer
For Lipstick echeveria, small amounts of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter and summer when it is dormant. Use less fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps support healthy growth and encourages blooms.
Pruning
To keep the shape of your lipstick echeveria looking its best, prune any unnecessary or dense branches during the spring and fall. You can use knives or scissors for this task. To propagate the plant, cut a sturdy stem with 5-6 leaves. Apply sulfur powder to the cut end to protect it, and then let it heal before planting it in slightly moist soil.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Lipstick echeveria, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and replant it at the same depth. Wait for a few days before watering to allow any root damage to heal. Repot in spring or fall and place the plant in a brightly lit area.
Toxicity
Molded wax agave is not toxic. It is safe to plant around children and pets. However, it is not intended to be eaten and may cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
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The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Echeveria
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 8 cm to 11 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Red
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Red
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Lipstick echeveria plant?
To properly water a Lipstick echeveria, follow these steps in the spring when new leaves are growing. Wait until the soil in the pot is completely dry before adding water. You can use tap water or distilled water, but avoid watering from above. Instead, water at the base of the plant, applying the water slowly and evenly across the soil surface. This ensures consistent moisture without dampening the above-ground parts of the plant. Keep adding water until you see a light stream of excess water draining from the pot's hole.
Why should I add fertilizer to my Lipstick echeveria plant?
Fertilizing Lipstick echeveria is important for adding nutrients to the growing medium. While it already stores water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season promotes healthy growth and can even trigger mature specimens to produce blooms.
What are the sunlight requirements for planting areas?
Sunlight requirements for your garden vary, with full sun areas receiving above 6 hours of sunlight daily, and partial sun areas getting about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's crucial to observe how sunlight moves through your garden, selecting spots that offer the right mix of light and shade for your plants, which is key to their well-being.
What are the ideal growing conditions for Lipstick echeveria?
Lipstick echeveria, or Echeveria agavoides, flourishes in temperatures ranging from 68 to 100°F (20 to 38°C), typical of its native warm climates. In extreme heat, it's beneficial to provide some shade to protect the plant from direct sunlight. During the cooler months, to prevent frost damage, it's recommended to move the plant indoors, as it cannot tolerate temperatures below 0°C. The Lipstick echeveria enters its growing season in winter, requiring temperatures to remain above 20°C for optimal growth. Increased watering is necessary in higher temperatures, while it should be reduced as the temperature approaches the freezing point. If the plant remains outdoors during winter, ensure it's in a sheltered spot that receives sufficient sunlight, and consider using a temporary greenhouse for added protection while keeping the soil adequately moist.
If I give too much or too little water to my Lipstick echeveria, what should I do?
Overwatering is a common problem for Lipstick echeveria plants and can be very harmful, often leading to their quick death. To avoid overwatering, it is important to let the soil completely dry before watering again. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly overwater their Lipstick echeveria, especially when it goes into dormancy. In this situation, we will focus on how to fix the issue of overwatering. If your Lipstick echeveria shows signs of overwatering, it is best to remove it from its current pot. Once removed, check the roots for any signs of rot or moisture-related diseases and remove them if necessary. Some roots may just need a simple cleaning to regain their health. After this step, repot your Lipstick echeveria in soil that has excellent drainage to prevent future overwatering. While less common, underwatering can also occur. In this case, you simply need to water your plant slightly more frequently, making sure not to overcompensate and overwater it.
When should I fertilize my Lipstick echeveria?
Lipstick echeveria, like all plants, benefits from extra nutrients, but it only requires a small amount of fertilizer during its growing season. It is recommended to fertilize it 1-2 times per year, specifically in the spring and autumn. Avoid fertilizing in the winter and summer when the plant is dormant. When repotting, be cautious with the amount of fertilizer used. It is best to wait a couple of months after repotting before applying any fertilizer.
How does the Lipstick Echeveria react to different light conditions?
The Lipstick Echeveria thrives in full sun, benefiting from a full day's exposure, though it can also grow in partial shade. Originating from sun-rich environments, it grows best when receiving ample sunlight. However, excessive shading can cause the plant to elongate and pale, whereas too much direct sun exposure may lead to scorching.
How should you care for Lipstick echeveria in low temperatures?
Lipstick echeveria does not tolerate extreme cold well, thriving best between 20°C and 38°C, and it should always be kept above 0°C during winter. Exposure to temperatures below -5°C can cause the leaves to show signs of water-soaked necrosis and wilting. If frost damage occurs, you may not notice immediate symptoms; however, after about a week, significant wilting and leaf drop can occur. In such cases, trim away the affected areas and move the plant to a warm indoor setting or set up a temporary greenhouse for protection against the cold. Ensure the plant is placed near a south-facing window for ample sunlight when indoors, and maintain good ventilation within a makeshift greenhouse to prevent decay due to poor air circulation.
How many times should I water my Lipstick echeveria?
The Lipstick echeveria, a succulent plant, has low water needs due to its origins in hot and dry regions. To care for this plant, it's important to let the soil completely dry between waterings. Typically, it takes two weeks to a month for the soil to dry out, and then you can water it. The frequency of watering depends on the season. During spring and summer, when the plant is growing, you can follow a 2-3 week watering schedule. In the summer, the soil may dry out faster. However, when the temperature drops below 60 degrees or exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant enters a dormant or semi-dormant state and doesn't need as much water. You should reduce or stop watering until the temperature is suitable for growth, and then resume watering.
When is it not a good idea to put fertilizer on my Lipstick echeveria plant?
Lipstick echeveria, like many plants, goes through a dormancy period. During this time, it's best to avoid fertilizing. In both summer and winter, when the plant stops growing, it's important to hold off on applying fertilizer. Additionally, it's a good practice to refrain from fertilizing for the first few months after repotting in the spring.
What kind of artificial lighting is recommended for indoor plants?
Indoor plants, including those not getting enough natural sunlight, especially in winter or less sunny locations, may require artificial lighting for optimal growth. LED lights are recommended for their ability to provide specific wavelengths needed by plants. Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, and most plants benefit from 8-12 hours of light daily.
What steps should be taken for Lipstick echeveria in high temperatures?
During the summer, Lipstick echeveria should be protected from temperatures exceeding 38°C, as extreme heat above 43°C can push the plant into dormancy and increase its susceptibility to rot, especially in humid conditions. To manage this, remove any dry or rotten parts of the plant, and relocate it to a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest times of the day. Watering should be halted until the temperatures decrease and become more conducive for the plant's growth.
