The Lipstick Echeveria, scientifically known as Echeveria agavoides ‘Lipstick’, is a popular succulent due to its striking appearance. Its common name comes from the vibrant, fiery red margins on its thick, green leaves. Its distinctive rosette form, resembling an agave, adds architectural appeal, making it a favored choice.
Lipstick Echeveria Care
Light
Lipstick Echeveria requires bright, direct sunlight to develop its characteristic red leaf tips. An ideal placement provides at least six hours of direct sun exposure daily. Indoors, a south-facing window is often most suitable, or supplemental grow lights can be used, especially during darker winter months. Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch, leading to etiolation, a less compact form, and muted coloration.
Watering
Employing the “soak and dry” method is essential for watering Lipstick Echeveria. This involves saturating the soil until water drains from the bottom. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions, which varies depending on environmental factors. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, a condition fatal for succulents. During dormant periods like winter, reduce watering significantly.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix is essential for Lipstick Echeveria. A pre-made succulent or cactus potting mix provides a suitable base. Drainage can be further improved by incorporating inorganic amendments like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, often at a 1:1 ratio with soil. Pots must always feature drainage holes to prevent water accumulation, contributing to root rot. Unglazed terracotta pots are preferred as they promote better air circulation and moisture evaporation.
Temperature and Humidity
Lipstick Echeveria thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 60°F to 75°F (15°C-24°C). While it tolerates higher temperatures well, it is particularly sensitive to frost, with temperatures below 20°F (-6.7°C) causing damage or death. This succulent has low humidity requirements, consistent with its arid origins. High humidity can increase the risk of fungal problems, especially with poor air circulation.
Fertilizing
Fertilization needs are minimal for Lipstick Echeveria. If fertilizing, a balanced, diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer can be applied during the plant’s active growing season, in spring or early summer. Diluting the fertilizer to half or quarter strength helps prevent nutrient burn. Excessive fertilization can result in leggy growth, compromising the plant’s naturally compact form.
Propagating Lipstick Echeveria
Lipstick Echeveria can be propagated from both leaf cuttings and offsets. For leaf propagation, select a healthy, plump leaf and gently twist it from the stem, ensuring the base remains intact. Allow the detached leaves to callus for several days in a dry, shaded area before placing them on well-draining succulent soil. Mist the soil lightly every few days until roots and new plantlets emerge from the leaf base.
Offsets, or “pups,” form around the base of the mature plant. Carefully remove these offsets when they are a few inches tall, ensuring some roots are attached. Allow the cut end of the offset to callus for a day or two before planting it in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until the new plant establishes a robust root system.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Overwatering is the primary issue, often manifesting as soft, mushy stems and leaves, indicating root rot. If suspected, unpot the plant, trim blackened or soft roots, and allow the plant to dry completely before repotting in fresh, dry soil. Insufficient light leads to etiolation, where stems stretch and leaves become widely spaced. Moving the plant to a brighter location prevents further stretching, though existing etiolated growth will not revert.
Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids may infest Echeveria. They appear as white, cottony masses or small insects. Treat infestations by wiping affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by applying an insecticidal soap for succulents. Shriveled leaves typically indicate underwatering, remedied by a thorough soak-and-dry watering cycle.