In the lush realm of succulents, the Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick reigns supreme as a bold and vivid plant, flaunting thick, green leaves with fiery red edges. The radiance of its red hue intensifies with lots of exposure to the sun, enhancing its dramatic flair. Resembling the agave, this botanical masterpiece is dubbed Agavoides ("resembling an agave") for its uncanny resemblance. A stunning spectacle in nature, it has become a favorite choice of gardeners and plant enthusiasts yearning to elevate their collection with a pop of color and grace.
Hailing from the rocky, arid regions of Mexico, the Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick is a real beauty, adorned not only with stunning foliage but also with pink to red bell-shaped flowers. This succulent queen may look fragile, but it is, in fact, a tenacious plant. Although succulents do not need a lot of attention and upkeep, it is still very important to provide your plant with a nurturing environment that caters to its growth requirements. Take a look at some simple care guidelines below.
General Care
Light
Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick loves to bask in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate direct sunlight and the red color of the leaves is developed with lots of bright, direct light, but intense scorching sun can cause the leaves to burn. If you plant this succulent outdoors, it should be in a safe spot away from the harsh afternoon sun. Echeveria succulents need at least 6 hours of lighting daily, so you should place it in a lit, sunny spot indoors and consider investing in a grow light during the dark winter months.
Water
Like most succulent plants, Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick plants prefer infrequent but deep watering. It's important to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. To water your plant, simply give it a good soak, making sure that the water reaches the roots. After watering, allow the soil to drain completely before placing the plant back in its spot. To check if your succulent is ready for watering, stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If your finger comes out dry, it’s time to give your plant a drink.
Soil
As a succulent, Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick plants prefer well-draining soils. A mixture of cactus soil and perlite or sand works well for this plant. When potting your plant, make sure to use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Do not use rich soil that locks in the moisture, as it would lead to root rot and overwatering issues. This plant thrives well in rocky, sunny gardens.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and low to medium humidity (30-40%). High humidity is a breeding ground for mold, pests, and root rot in succulents, so avoid placing your plant in a humid place like a bathroom or kitchen. Echeverias can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but should be kept away from drafts and cold windows. In the winter months, it's important to protect your plant from frost. This succulent can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness zone 9a-11b.
Fertilizer
Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick plants do not require much fertilizer, but a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer can help promote healthy growth. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and only fertilize your plant when it is actively growing.
Extra Care
Potting and Repotting
Potting
Like all succulents, Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick requires well-drained soil with optimum drainage. You should pick a pot made from porous materials like concrete, ceramic, or terracotta with at least one drainage hole.
Repotting
Echeveria Lipstick is a slow grower and does not require frequent repotting. This succulent should be repotted every 2-3 years with a pot only one size larger during the growing season (spring-summer). You should water it thoroughly a couple of days before repotting, so the leaves can take in as much water as it needed. Inspect the roots for any sign of root rot and root balls before repotting in new, clean soil. Do not water for 1-2 weeks after the repot so the roots have time to adjust to the new soil.
Pruning
This rosette succulent does not need regular pruning, but you can cut off dead or damaged leaves, or leaves growing out of shape with a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife. You can also remove offsets to make space for the mother plant. Leaf cuttings and offsets can be used for propagation.
Propagation
Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick can be propagated with offsets or leaf cuttings. Follow these simple steps:
- Gently twist to remove offsets and healthy leaves for propagation. You can also use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife.
- Let the cuttings or offsets callous over for a couple of days before dipping the bottom tips on a rooting hormone and plant into well-draining soil.
- Mist the soil frequently to keep it moist. Place the cuttings or offsets in a bright, airy spot away from direct sunlight.
- When roots begin to form and new plants develop, you can repot them in separate pots.
Alternatively, you can use water or air propagation following the same steps.
Dormancy
Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick goes dormant when the temperatures fall under 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit or raises above 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that this plant can enter dormancy in both winter and summer, especially if planted outdoors. During its dormancy, don’t forget to reduce watering. Outdoor succulents should also be protected from pests and animals.
Common Problems
While the Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick is a fairly low-maintenance and easy-care succulent, it can still experience a few problems and issues that gardeners and plant enthusiasts should be aware of.
- Incorrect watering issues: As with most succulents, overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a general lack of vitality. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the leaves to become shriveled, dry, and brittle.
- Pest infestations: Echeveria Agavoides Lipstick plants can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and other insects, especially if planted outdoors. Inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests, such as webbing or white cottony growths, and treat them with an insecticidal solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sunburn: While this plant can tolerate direct sun, too much and too intense direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched and discolored. Move your plant to a shady location or use a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight.
