Echeveria agavoides ‘Lipstick’
Family: Crassulaceae
​Common Names: lipstick Echeveria, lipstick, red edge
​Origin: Echeveria agavoides is native to high elevation rocky outcroppings in the plateau region of central Mexico (San Luis Potosi). Lipstick Echeveria is a naturally occurring cultivar, but is usually found in cultivation. 
Description: E. agavoides ‘Lipstick’ is an evergreen, unbranching succulent that develops a crisp rosette up to 6 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide. The stemless rosettes are apple-green, with fleshy leaves terminating in a spine. ‘Lipstick’ cultivars will possess distinctively bright crimson margins and a captivating 4-5 branching inflorescence, which blooms during summer from a long, slender cyme. The flowers will be pinkish-red, with dark-yellow among the petal tips.
  • Interesting Features:
    • In addition to the more pronounced red margins, Echeveria agavoides ‘Lipstick’ will also be smaller than the straight species.
    • The lipstick Echeveria is naturally pollinated by birds, and will attract hummingbirds to a pollinator garden.
  • Uses: Although there are no ethnobotanical uses of E. agavoides ‘Lipstick’ outside of cultivation, the Echeveria genus has been historically used to treat a variety of ailments.
    • In Colombia, Echeveria species have been utilized against cancer, or used as a source of water during strenuous physical activity.
    • At the same time, Echeveria can be found in Bolivian markets as a treatment for ear-ache when heated, mashed, and dripped into the ear. 

Cultivation and Care:
  • Watering: Low
    • The lipstick Echeveria is drought tolerant – water infrequently and allow to thoroughly dry before irrigating again. However, it may be necessary to increase irrigation during the summer growing season to aid development.
    • Do not water overhead, especially on humid or winter days.
  • Soil: Provide a well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50-70% coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.
    • High organic matter is recommended, and soil should be supplemented with a slow-release fertilizer with a low to moderate nitrogen content.
    • In addition, ensure that enough root space is available when potting.
  • Lighting: Ample sun is necessary in order to fully develop the crimson margins, encourage growth, and prevent stretching. It is recommended to grow the lipstick Echeveria outside in full sun, but indoor cultivation is possible if a grow-light is provided.
    • However, do not directly place succulents into direct sunlight, or scorching may occur.
    • Acclimate by introducing well-watered Echeveria to bright sun on a cloudy day.
  • Propagation: E. agavoides ‘Lipstick’ is easily propagated by cuttings, leaves, or offsets.
    • The lipstick Echeveria is especially free to offset, and mature plants will often be hugged by multiple pups, which can be removed and repotted.
  • Cold Tolerance: 20°F, USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11
  • Special Accommodations: Avoid excess humidity in order to cultivate E. agavoides ‘Lipstick’ in a nursery environment.
    • At the same time, Echeveria species are attractive to aphids - remove dead or dying leaves from the base of the rosette to prevent an infestation.

Sources:
  1. Llifle Encyclopedia of Succulents
  2. Succulents Network
  3. Dave’s Garden
  4. World of Succulents
  5. San Marcos Growers
  6. Mountain Crest Gardens
  7. Gardenia
  8. Garden
  9. Tropical Ecology Group
  10. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
  11. Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases