Delve into the beauty of Echeveria agavoides, a small succulent that radiates vibrant colors. Let expert gardener Rachel Garcia guide you through the essential steps to nurture this plant.
The striking Echeveria agavoides showcases triangular pale green leaves with fiery red tips, creating a captivating visual contrast.
Named for its agave-like features, agavoides boasts nearly absent stems and upward-reaching leaves that gracefully spread out.
Standing at an average height of just five inches, this echeveria species is compact, easy to maintain, and an ideal choice for novice succulent enthusiasts.
Plant Overview
Plant Type Succulent
Family Crassulaceae
Genus Echeveria
Species Echeveria agavoides
Exposure Full sun to partial shade
Height 6″
Watering Requirements Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Succulent Mix
Wax Agave – An Overview
Echeveria agavoides blooms with yellow or pink flowers in summer.
Echeveria agavoides, native to Mexico and thriving in warm, dry environments, is best suited for USDA Zones 10-11. It does well in containers and can be easily moved indoors during colder seasons.
During late spring and summer, mature wax echeverias produce impressive pink and yellow flowers on tall stems, significantly taller than the plant itself.
The molded wax agave typically forms a solitary rosette and seldom produces offsets. To create a fuller appearance, consider planting it alongside other succulents.
Different Varieties
There are various Echeveria agavoides types to choose from.
The molded wax agave comes in various forms due to its extensive use in hybridization. Here are some popular variations:
‘Prolifera’
The ‘Prolifera’ variety is more likely to produce offsets compared to other Echeveria agavoides types.
Also known as carpet echeveria, this succulent features dense rosettes with vibrant green leaves and light pink-tipped ends. ‘Prolifera’ readily produces offsets, allowing it to propagate over time.
‘Maria’
The ‘Maria’ can grow up to 14″ wide.
Unique in color and form, these succulents showcase captivating contrasts. The red-tipped leaves display vibrant hues that extend along the leaf’s spine, creating a visually stunning rosette, reaching a substantial 14 inches in width compared to the standard Echeveria agavoides.
‘Lipstick’
The ‘Lipstick’ stands out with its dark red rims and pointed leaves.
The ‘Lipstick’ variety features lime green leaves outlined with elegant dark red borders, resembling a touch of lipstick, enhancing the beauty of the entire rosette.
‘Ebony’
The ‘Ebony’ variety has a creamy green color and distinct red tips.
Rather than being black, the ‘Ebony’ variation flaunts a darker appearance with greyish-green leaves that transition into striking bright red edges along each leaf, intensifying towards the center of the rosette for a mysterious allure.
‘Aquamarine’
The ‘Aquamarine’ has a chunkier leaf and the red only appears at the very tips of its leaves.
The ‘Aquamarine’ variant displays a charming touch with light pink tips contrasting against the blue-green leaves, with a plump and chunky rosette that adds character to this unique succulent.
Planting
Opt for a planter with ample drainage holes and well-draining soil for your Echeveria agavoides.
Prepare for a successful planting of Echeveria agavoides by ensuring your pot or garden location has top-notch drainage facilities. These succulents are prone to rot and cannot endure waterlogged conditions.
Select a broad, shallow container with drainage holes or opt for a garden bed with excellent drainage if planting outdoors. Employ a succulent potting mix that offers a balanced airflow and drainage. For a DIY mix, blend potting soil with coarse sand or perlite to enhance drainage capabilities.
When transplanting, gently lift the Echeveria agavoides from its existing container, planting it so the root ball aligns with the soil surface. Fill the gaps with more potting mix, lightly compacting to eliminate air pockets.
To avoid root damage, wait a couple of days before hydrating the plant if the soil is moist. This allows the Echeveria agavoides to acclimate to its new surroundings effectively.
Guidance on Growth
While echeverias like the Echeveria agavoides are adaptable, they thrive in conditions reminiscent of their natural habitat.
Sunlight
For vibrant colors, ensure your Echeveria agavoides has ample exposure to full sun.
For optimal growth, the molded wax agave requires full sun or partial shade. Full sun enhances the vivid hues of this plant, but it can tolerate regions with around four hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid darkened areas as they can affect the plant’s shape and moisture levels, potentially leading to rot.
When cultivating indoors, position the plant in a south or west-facing window for the happiest growth. Rotate the container regularly to ensure uniform exposure to sunlight and prevent any obstructions from blocking the light source.
Watering
To avoid rot and disease, focus on watering your Echeveria agavoides at the roots.
The Echeveria agavoides thrives on minimal watering and even benefits from drought conditions. Embrace the soak-and-dry technique by providing a thorough watering followed by allowing the soil to dry out before the next hydration.
Water the plant at its roots while keeping the leaves dry to prevent any potential rot or diseases. During winter, reduce watering frequency and ensure the plant is shielded from high humidity levels.
Soil
A good quality succulent soil will be essential for your Echeveria agavoides to thrive.
Succulent success hinges on the right soil. While various specialty succulent soils are available, creating your own mix is simple. Combine equal parts of potting soil with perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage. It’s crucial to maintain a loose soil consistency for optimal water flow and include a drainage hole in your container to prevent root rot.
Temperature & Humidity
Cooler temperatures will also help bring out the Echeveria agavoides natural colors.
To enhance the natural colors of your Echeveria agavoides, maintain cooler temperatures between 40-75°F (4-24°C) during fall and winter. While these plants can tolerate light frost, cooler temperatures tend to intensify their hues. Optimal growth is achieved in lower humidity environments, although they can adapt to higher humidity, with vigilant monitoring for potential diseases.
Fertilizing
Worm castings are a great way to fertilize your Echeveria agavoides plant.
Succulents like Echeveria agavoides usually thrive without additional fertilization due to their adaptation to low-nutrient environments. However, if your plant appears lackluster, consider using a half-strength liquid fertilizer occasionally throughout spring and summer, choosing a balanced or low-nitrogen option. Worm castings can also enrich the soil, aiding nutrient absorption by boosting microbial activity. Simply top-dress your plant with the castings for added benefits.
Maintenance
If you observe that your current container can no longer accommodate your Echeveria agavoides, it’s time to consider repotting.
For additional space or to refresh the soil, repotting your wax plant is a quick and straightforward process. The best time to transplant your succulent is during the spring or summer seasons. Ensure the soil is dry before removing your Echeveria agavoides from its current pot.
Opt for new, dry soil when repotting your plant. After replanting, refrain from watering your wax plant for a few days. Allowing time for the roots to acclimate and recover from any damage is crucial.
When it comes to pruning wax agave, focus on removing dead leaves. It’s common for older leaves to wither and drop off naturally. If any leaves remain attached to the stem, gently detach them by hand. Properly dispose of these leaves to prevent potential pest issues that may arise from leaving them in the pot.
Propagation
One effective method to propagate your Echeveria agavoides is through leaf cuttings.
The simplest way to propagate your molded wax echeveria is by using leaf cuttings. Select a healthy leaf and carefully twist it off the stem, ensuring the entire leaf is removed for successful propagation.
Allow the cutting to dry out for a few days until the wound where it was separated from the stem forms a callous. Once dried, place the cutting on well-draining soil. Regularly mist it with water until roots develop and establish in the soil.
Common Problems
While these succulents are generally easy to care for, you may encounter some minor issues that are usually manageable.
Sunburn
Exposure to prolonged sunlight may result in sunburn on the leaves of your Echeveria agavoides.
Succulents are prone to sunburn if suddenly transferred to a bright location. When moving your Echeveria agavoides, do so gradually to allow it to adapt to the sunlight. Alternatively, acclimate the plant outdoors on a cloudy day so it adjusts as the sun emerges. Ensure the plant is well-watered before relocation to prevent dehydration.
Pests
Mealybugs are attracted to dead leaves in the soil, making their removal crucial in preventing infestations.
Keep aphids, small sap-sucking insects, at bay by maintaining the dryness of your wax echeveria. Utilize diatomaceous earth in the soil and neem oil on the leaves as preventive measures. In case of aphid presence, use insecticidal soap to eliminate them from your plant.
Mealybugs are commonly drawn to accumulated dead leaves in the soil. Initially seeking shelter, they can quickly infest the plant. Regularly clear the debris and control moisture to discourage their presence. Identify mealybugs by their white, cottony nests and eliminate them by washing leaves with insecticidal soap and preventing ant attraction due to the honeydew residue they produce.
Pest Control
When tackling pests on your succulents, opt for rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, ensuring it’s 70% or less to prevent leaf damage.
Diseases
All succulents are prone to root rot due to excess moisture.
Root rot is the primary concern for succulents, triggered by prolonged moisture exposure. Address any signs promptly to prevent potential bacterial infections.
If you notice black or brown mushy areas on your Echeveria agavoides, remove them using a clean knife. Uproot the plant to eliminate rotted roots, then allow it to dry for a few days. Proceed to replant in fresh soil only after ensuring all rot is removed. Additionally, consider applying fungicide post-replanting for added protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Echeveria agavoides safe for pets?
Indeed, Echeveria agavoides is considered non-toxic for pets.
Why are my Echeveria agavoides leaves bleached?
If your Echeveria agavoides leaves appear bleached, they might be sunburnt. Unfortunately, you need to allow new growth to replace damaged leaves. To prevent further sun damage, consider relocating your plant to an area with less direct sunlight.
What should I do if my succulent sprouts a baby?
Your decision regarding the baby succulent is personal. If you admire the appearance of both plants together, leave them be. However, if you prefer separate plants, detach the pup from the parent plant. After allowing both plants to air dry for a few days, repot them in dry soil.
Final Thoughts
Echeveria agavoides with its captivating shape and vibrant colors is a standout addition to any succulent collection. Once planted, they are low-maintenance and perfect for beginners.
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.
