Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, a hybrid of Echeveria and Kalanchoe. Its fleshy leaves are very thick, lance-shaped, slightly concave on the upper surface, and distinctly triangularly convex on the back, with a prominent ridgeline. The tips of the leaves are sharp, and the plant grows in a standard rosette form. Normally, the leaves are yellow-green or red-green in color, but in environments with ample sunlight and significant temperature variations, they turn into a dazzling bright red, which is exceptionally beautiful.
Because both parent plants of Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt, Echeveria and Kalanchoe, are not delicate succulent varieties, Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt is relatively easy to care for. In climates like mine, which many succulent enthusiasts are familiar with, even when temperatures soar above 40°C in summer, as long as shade and water control are observed, Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt can withstand the summer heat without any pressure. Furthermore, it is particularly valuable that even in autumn and winter when sunlight is not particularly abundant, Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt can still maintain a good condition.
Although Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt can be propagated by leaf cuttings, it is difficult to remove its leaves intact, and the success rate of leaf propagation is only about 50-60%. Therefore, leaf propagation for Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt is basically not feasible. Propagation by sowing seeds is naturally possible, but as succulent enthusiasts who have tried artificial pollination know, the hybrid seeds of Echeveria and ordinary Crassula are very few in number, sometimes only a few seeds per pod.
Since neither leaf cuttings nor seed sowing are effective methods for mass propagation of Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt, its propagation basically relies on taking lateral shoots for cuttings. As I mentioned earlier, Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt's growth rate is relatively slow, and it takes about 3 years for it to grow into a mature plant. It takes even longer to propagate lateral shoots.
As long as we maintain the frequency of watering as "dry thoroughly, water thoroughly" during routine care, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight in hot summer weather, and strengthen ventilation and moisture control—watering a little along the edge of the pot every half month or so, and moving Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt indoors for maintenance when the winter temperature drops to 0°C, then it is unlikely to encounter any problems.
Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt belongs to the Echeveria series of succulents, with robust growth habits. During the spring and autumn growing seasons, it can be watered more frequently, allowing the soil to dry thoroughly before watering thoroughly, about 1-2 times a week. It is advisable to provide 3-4 hours of sunlight per day, and outdoor cultivation can be attempted. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plants to turn green and become elongated. In summer, ventilation should be ensured, and shading and water control should be done appropriately, avoiding rain showers. Prolonged soil moisture can cause the leaves to dry and wither from the bottom up. If there are signs of accelerated leaf withering, the plant should be checked, and repotting should be considered if the condition is severe.
Sunlight:
Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt belongs to a relatively sun-resistant variety among the Echeveria series of succulents. As long as the local temperature does not consistently exceed 37°C, we do not need to shade it prematurely. If shaded too early, its color will turn green. At this point, we only need to control watering and keep the potting soil dry, and it will have no problem enduring the summer heat. Many northern succulent enthusiasts do not need shading in summer. Southern succulent enthusiasts, when the temperature consistently exceeds 40°C, only need to shade it during the strongest sunlight. Adequate sunlight not only promotes coloration but also stimulates lateral shoot growth. Therefore, for Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt's care, we should try to expose it to as much sunlight as possible. When cultivating outdoors, as long as the temperature is above 5°C and below 37°C, it can be exposed to sunlight for as long as possible. During autumn outdoor cultivation, as long as the temperature does not drop below 0°C, with the soil kept dry, a slight freezing is possible. In this environment with temperature differences, Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt will color up very quickly, and the colors will be more vibrant. Therefore, adequate sunlight conditions are also important for stimulating lateral shoot growth.
Repotting:
After potting, Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt will continue to grow. When the original pot can no longer accommodate its growth, it can be repotted regularly. It is recommended to repot every 1 year or so in the early stages, and every 2 years or so in the later stages!
Watering:
Regular watering is also necessary for growth. During the spring and autumn growing seasons, it is advisable to water more frequently, waiting for the soil to dry thoroughly before watering thoroughly. However, avoid standing water and rain showers.
Potting:
Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt belongs to the Echeveria series of succulents, with relatively robust vitality. Its soil requirements are not very strict, but it prefers loose and well-draining soil. When potting, try to choose materials with good permeability. A mixture of peat soil, volcanic rock, coarse sand, and coconut husk can be used.
Fertilization:
During the vigorous growth period in spring and autumn, it is advisable to apply a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ternary fertilizer every 20-30 days. Because the ternary fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements, it can make Echeveria agavoides Frank Reinelt grow stronger, and the colors on the leaf edges will be more vibrant, increasing its ornamental value.