Echevaria agavoides 'Red Lips'

Common Names: Lipstick Echeveria, Red Lips, Red Edge Echeveria

Family: Crassulaceae

Origin and Habitat

Echeveria agavoides 'Red Lips' is a cultivar of Echeveria agavoides, native to the rocky canyons and arid hillsides of Central Mexico, particularly in states like San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes, and Jalisco. In the wild, it grows in well-drained, rocky soils at higher altitudes, often in semi-shaded areas among rocks or sparse vegetation, adapted to warm, dry climates with minimal rainfall.

Plant Description

Echeveria agavoides 'Red Lips' is a small, evergreen succulent forming tight, rosette-shaped clumps that grow 15–30 cm wide and up to 15 cm tall. Its thick, triangular, fleshy leaves are bright green with vivid crimson-red margins and tips, resembling lipstick, especially when stressed by bright light or drought. The leaves are sharp-pointed, resembling an Agave, and each rosette may produce occasional offsets, or "pups," at its base. In late spring to early summer, slender stalks bear red to orange-pink flowers with yellow tips, adding a vibrant contrast to the foliage. The red edging intensifies with increased sun exposure, making it a striking addition to collections.

Care Instructions

Light

'Red Lips' thrives in bright light with several hours of direct sunlight daily to enhance its red margins. Indoors, place near a south- or west-facing window. Outdoors, it prefers full sun but may need partial shade in extreme heat to prevent leaf scorch. Insufficient light causes leaves to splay flat and lose red coloration.

Watering

Water thoroughly using the "soak and dry" method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In spring and summer, water every 1–2 weeks, depending on climate. In winter, reduce to once every 3–4 weeks to prevent root rot, as the plant grows slowly. Overwatering leads to rot, while underwatering may cause leaf curling.

Soil

Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix with 50–70% mineral grit like perlite, coarse sand, or pumice.

Temperature

Ideal temperatures range from 18°C to 27°C. It tolerates light frost down to -6.7°C (USDA zones 9a–11b) but should be brought indoors or protected in colder climates to avoid frost damage.

Additional Information

'Red Lips' is easy to propagate via offsets, which can be gently separated and replanted after drying for 1–2 days, or from leaf cuttings, though leaves are harder to detach without breaking. It’s a slow grower, ideal for beginners, and perfect for rock gardens, containers, or as a tabletop accent due to its compact size and vivid colors. The plant is non-toxic but may attract mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites, which can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Its vibrant red margins and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite for succulent enthusiasts seeking a bold, sculptural addition to their collections.