Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' is a popular succulent variety from the East Cloud series and belongs to the Crassulaceae family and the Echeveria genus. It has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its striking appearance and impressive growth patterns.
The main reason why 'Lipstick' is so well-loved is its bold appearance. Particularly when grown into larger specimens, the plant becomes even more striking, with vibrant colors and a bold, almost regal form, especially when temperature differences are large. If you have a large Lipstick Echeveria in your home, it is sure to be an eye-catching addition to your succulent collection in the fall. One plant owner reported that they've had their 'Lipstick' for many years, and every time they see it, they feel a sense of pride as its stunning, bold appearance stands out.
However, achieving such a healthy, beautiful 'Lipstick' plant requires more than just basic care—it requires time, patience, and attention to detail.
Provide Plenty of Sunlight
'Echeveria Lipstick' thrives in bright sunlight and dry conditions. When growing this plant indoors, it’s crucial to provide it with enough light. Sufficient sunlight will cause the edges and tips of the leaves to turn a vivid red or bright red, making the plant more noticeable. If the plant doesn't receive enough light, its leaves will turn a pale green and stretch out, with the red edges fading away, leaving only the tips red.
In particular, autumn, early winter, and spring are the best times to encourage the 'Lipstick' to show off its vibrant color and compact form. Ensure the plant gets full sunlight during these seasons. However, in the summer, the strong midday sun should be avoided, and some shading is recommended.
Watering Guidelines
Watering frequency for 'Lipstick' depends on the dryness of the soil and the season. Spring and autumn are the active growth periods for this plant, so you should water it thoroughly, but avoid letting the soil stay damp for too long to prevent root rot. During summer, when temperatures are high and humid, 'Lipstick' will slow down or stop growing, so you should ensure that the plant is in a well-ventilated area and protect it from the intense heat with some shade.
In winter, when temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F), you should reduce watering gradually. 'Lipstick' can tolerate temperatures as low as -4°C (24.8°F) without damage if the soil remains dry. However, if the soil is wet and the temperature drops too low, it can lead to frost damage.
Regardless of the season, avoid watering the center of the rosette. Water accumulating in the center can lead to rot, especially in the hot and humid summer months.
Encouraging Cluster Growth
'Echeveria Lipstick' is naturally inclined to form offsets (baby plants) around its base. However, you can encourage clustering more effectively through manual intervention. In early spring, when the plant is beginning to grow, gently remove a few leaves from the bottom of the plant. New growth will emerge from the exposed area, resulting in offsets. These offsets can then be nurtured to create a full, clustered effect.
If your plant is not naturally producing offsets, you can intervene manually to stimulate this process. Even if your 'Lipstick' is just a single rosette, it can still look incredibly impressive when it reaches its full potential.
Choosing the Right Potting Soil
For planting 'Lipstick', choose a pot that is slightly larger than the plant and has drainage holes at the bottom. A ceramic pot with a diameter that is 10-20 cm larger than the plant’s size works well. The soil should be well-draining and slightly sandy. A good mix for indoor pots includes peat, perlite, vermiculite, and wood chips in a 1:1:1 ratio. For smaller plants, more organic soil can be used to encourage root development, while for larger plants, use more granular soil to help control the plant's form.
Exposure to the Outdoors for Better Color
If you want the 'Lipstick' to display more vibrant and intense colors, in addition to plenty of sunlight and controlled watering, temperature fluctuations are a crucial factor. To encourage these changes, place the plant outdoors during the autumn, early winter, and spring months when there are significant temperature differences between day and night. Outdoor conditions provide ample sunlight, good water control, and the ideal temperature differences that promote faster coloring and vibrant hues.
By exposing the plant to the outdoors, you can ensure that the plant’s color deepens and its overall beauty is enhanced. This not only helps the 'Lipstick' become more colorful but also strengthens the plant, making it even more captivating.
Conclusion
'Echeveria Lipstick' is a beautiful, low-maintenance succulent that thrives with the right combination of sunlight, watering, and temperature conditions. With patience and proper care, you can enjoy a plant that stands out in any succulent collection.