Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’ is a captivating succulent, valued for its distinct appearance. Its striking rosettes add natural elegance to any collection. Its unique form and straightforward care make it a favored choice for both novice and experienced growers.
Identifying Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’
Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’ forms a dense, rigid rosette, growing up to 12 inches in diameter. Its thick, pointed leaves resemble an Agave, contributing to its common name. Foliage is light green, with leaf tips often developing a reddish tint in bright sunlight. This color intensifies under certain conditions. The plant is solitary, forming a stemless, star-shaped rosette, though it may produce offsets as it matures.
Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’ Care Guide
Light Requirements
Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’ thrives in bright, direct sunlight, maintaining vibrant colors and a compact rosette. Place it in a south-facing window indoors or an outdoor location with several hours of direct sun daily. Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch and become leggy, a condition known as etiolation. Extreme, unacclimated exposure can lead to sunburn, characterized by bleached, brown, or crispy leaf edges.
Watering Practices
Watering is important for Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’, which is sensitive to overwatering. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. It tolerates extended dry periods and prefers infrequent watering. During cooler, dormant months, reduce watering significantly, as excess moisture in cold conditions can quickly lead to root rot.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix prevents waterlogging, a common cause of rot for Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’. Use a specialized succulent or cactus mix, amended with inorganic grit like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, for drainage. Containers must have drainage holes. Repot when the plant outgrows its container, ensuring the new pot is appropriately sized for the root ball, typically occupying about half to two-thirds of the pot’s volume.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’ prefers mild to warm temperatures and a dry, low-humidity environment. It tolerates high summer temperatures. It can withstand light frost down to 20°F, but protect it from freezing temperatures, especially prolonged cold. If temperatures are expected to drop significantly, bringing the plant indoors to a sunny window or under a grow light is best.
Fertilizing
Fertilization is not necessary for Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’, as it is not a heavy feeder. If fertilizing, do so sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer). Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer formulated for succulents or cacti. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so a light application every few months during the growing period is sufficient.
Propagating Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’
Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’ is easy to propagate, primarily through leaf cuttings and offsets. For leaf propagation, select a healthy, mature leaf and gently twist it from the stem, ensuring the entire leaf, including its base, is intact. Allow the detached leaf to callus (dry and form a protective seal) for a few days in a warm, dry area away from direct sunlight before placing it on well-draining soil.
Offsets, also known as “chicks,” are small plantlets emerging around the base of the mother plant. Separate these carefully once they reach a decent size and have some roots attached. After separation, allow the offset to dry for one to two days to form a callus before planting in its own well-draining succulent mix. Place both leaf cuttings and offsets in bright, indirect light and water lightly once the soil dries completely, encouraging root development.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Overwatering frequently causes root rot in Echeveria agavoides ‘Lemaire’, with symptoms including yellowing, mushy leaves, and a soft stem. To address this, carefully unpot the plant, inspect the roots, and remove any brown or black, slimy sections with sterilized scissors before repotting in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Insufficient light causes etiolation, leading to stretching and pale, flattened leaves. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more direct sunlight helps it regain its compact form and vibrant coloration. Pests like mealybugs and aphids can affect Echeveria, especially on flower spikes or in poor air circulation. Manage these by gently wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap.