Mars Lipstick
echeveria agavoides
Also known as: ["Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick'"]
Overview
A compact, rosette-forming succulent with fleshy, pointed leaves that often have a reddish edge, resembling the shape of an agave but with softer foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Echeveria |
| Botanical Name: | Echeveria agavoides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, indirect light or outdoor garden in a sunny, well-drained spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; must avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix; can add pumice or coarse sand for extra drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months; remove dead leaves promptly as they appear.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, position near an east or south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer hours; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days in summer, every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; allow soil to dry between waterings.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–80°F (15–27°C); prefers cooler nights; tolerates mild frost but best kept above 40°F (4°C).
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a cactus-specific fertilizer for best results.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy leaves/stems.
- Let cuttings callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (60–70%), indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio); can also use succulent-specific propagation medium.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting; use a rooting hormone powder or gel.
Timeline
Leaf cuttings: 4–6 weeks for roots; stem cuttings: 2–4 weeks for roots, 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone, propagation medium, small pots, humidity dome (optional).
Quick Tips
Do not overwater cuttings; provide bottom heat if possible; remove lower leaves on stem cuttings to prevent rot.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead leaves at the base; trim stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged leaves; shape the plant to maintain compact form; encourage basal growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears; sterilizing solution (optional).
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape as desired; clean up fallen debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root health; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; allow excess water to drain freely; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks; adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to commercial potting soil; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or purple discoloration in leaves; stunted growth; bud drop; wilting despite adequate water.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; may cause root rot if soil remains wet; leaves may become brittle or discolored.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry before cold exposure; use a heat mat if necessary; protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, wilt, or develop sunburn spots; growth may slow; soil may dry out too quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use a fan for air circulation; mist leaves lightly (if humidity is low).
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEcheveria agavoides is non-toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a toxic risk to felines if ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicEcheveria agavoides is non-toxic to dogs. Ingestion of the plant is not expected to cause any adverse health effects in canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicEcheveria agavoides is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known significant toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Echeveria agavoides?
A: Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Does Echeveria agavoides need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Echeveria agavoides turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage; ensure the plant is not sitting in water.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days in summer, e |
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