Echeveria agavoides Lem.
Lipstick Echeveria
Echeveria agavoides, known as 'molded wax agave' or 'ruby lips echeveria', is a rosette-forming succulent in the family Crassulaceae, native to the states of San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas, Mexico. Its leaves are thick, triangular, and tipped with a distinctive reddish-brown spine reminiscent of a miniature agave leaf, from which its specific epithet derives. The rosette reaches 15–20 cm in diameter and develops intense red leaf margins when exposed to full sun or temperature stress.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Echeveria |
| Growth Habit | Solitary rosette or forming small groups over time; slow growth and compact habit. Leaves point upward and slightly outward, forming a nearly perfect geometric shape. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) per IUCN. Although its natural habitats are fragmented by agriculture, the species is widely cultivated as an ornamental and is not considered threatened. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Rocky, highly porous mineral soil with very low organic matter content. Must drain freely and not retain moisture for more than 24 hours after watering. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Thick, triangular to lanceolate leaves, 5–8 cm long, bright green with a rigid reddish-brown apical spine 2–5 mm long. Margins develop red to crimson tones under light or temperature stress. Surface smooth and slightly waxy.
ecoInflorescence a cyme on a stalk 30–40 cm tall. Bell-shaped flowers, red-orange with yellow tips. Typically blooms in spring. Very attractive to hummingbirds.
ecoVery short stem, woody at the base with age, that may elongate to 10 cm in old or etiolated plants. Rarely produces offsets compared to other echeverias.
ecoModerately deep root system with fleshy roots that store water. Well developed for anchoring in rocky soils and hillsides of the Mexican Altiplano.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky, highly porous mineral soil with very low organic matter content. Must drain freely and not retain moisture for more than 24 hours after watering.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Select mature, healthy leaves; remove with a firm twisting motion to preserve the basal meristem.
- 2 Allow to callous for 24–48 hours in a ventilated, shaded location.
- 3 Place leaves on dry mineral substrate without burying them.
- 4 Mist gently every 4–5 days; small roots will appear in 3–6 weeks.
- 1 Offsets are scarce; separate when at least 2–3 cm in diameter.
- 2 Allow the cut to callous for 24 hours and plant in dry substrate.
- 3 Water moderately starting the second week.
Sun stress (intense exposure) intensifies the red margin color, increasing ornamental value.
Overwatering that rots the fleshy roots within a few weeks.
Every 2–3 years in spring when roots emerge from drainage holes or the rosette occupies more than 80% of the pot surface.
Liquid cactus fertilizer at half dose, once in April and once in June; no fertilization in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Classified as safe by the ASPCA. No documented cases of poisoning are known.
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Plant Health
Mealybug (Pseudococcus spp.): shelters between basal leaves; remove with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol or with potassium soap.
Root rot from overwatering or poorly drained substrate.
Spider mite (Tetranychus urticae): appears under extreme heat and dryness; control with acaricide or by increasing ventilation.
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"The epithet 'agavoides' reflects this species' striking morphological resemblance to juvenile agaves — an evolutionary convergence that likely helps deter herbivores. Cultivated forms show notable variability in marginal red intensity: the 'Ebony' form displays near-black margins resulting from anthocyanin accumulation under combined stress of intense UV light and cool nighttime temperatures."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.