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Echeveria agavoides /ˌɛkɨˈvɪəriə/

Common name: Lipstick echeveria · Molded wax agave

Echeveria agavoides is a succulent plant in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), native to rocky areas of Mexico, particularly in the states of San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, Guanajuato, and Durango. It forms stemless rosettes of thick, triangular, apple-green leaves that often develop striking red edges and tips in bright light, giving rise to the common name "lipstick echeveria." It is widely cultivated as an ornamental succulent and is the parent of many popular hybrids.

Fun facts

  • The species name "agavoides" means "agave-like," referring to its pointed, agave-shaped leaves.
  • Its red leaf margins intensify with strong sun and cooler temperatures, a stress coloration prized by collectors.
  • It is a parent of many famous hybrids, including Echeveria 'Taurus' and the variegated cultivar 'Ebony' forms.
  • It produces pinkish-red, bell-shaped flowers with yellow tips on tall stalks in summer.

Care summary

Sun Full sun; bright light brings out red leaf tips
Water Low; water deeply but only when soil is dry
Soil Well-draining, gritty succulent soil
Hardiness Zones 9–11
Mature height About 8–15 cm (0.3–0.5 ft)
Pet safe Yes; non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Propagate from leaf cuttings or offsets. Twist off a healthy leaf, let it callus for a few days, then lay it on dry gritty soil until roots and a new rosette form; any offsets can be removed and potted directly. It offsets less freely than some echeverias, so leaves are often the main route.

Make your own Lipstick echeveria · Molded wax agave profile

Common problems

    • Let soil dry fully between waterings
    • Use gritty, fast-draining succulent mix
    • Water the soil, not the rosette
    • Move to a bright, sunny window
    • Behead and reroot leggy rosettes
    • Dab pests with alcohol-dipped cotton swab
    • Isolate infested plants from the rest