Echeveria agavoides Ebony : A Complete Guide

Growing succulents is always fun. Learning its growing behavior and requirements lets me be closer to these plants. Among various succulents, my personal favorite is Echeveria agavoides Ebony because of its amazing appearance and absolutely beautiful mix of colours. This article will give you detailed information about how to care for and propagate Ebony. 

Echeveria agavoides is a stunning rosette type of succulent that is given different names such as molded wax agave, wax agave and molded wax plant. It is called so because it resembles an agave plant (agave + oides; where oides means being similar to). It has thick and short leaves which in each row are of almost equal sizes. These plants are favored because of how similar and lovely their leaves are to roses, chrysanthemums, and other overlapping plants. 

Echeveria agavoides Types

There are different types of echeveria agavoides discovered today. Some of them are : 

• Echeveria agavoides aquamarine
• Echeveria agavoides Bronze Beauty
• Echeveria agavoides Corderoyi
• Echeveria agavoides Cristata
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Frank Reinelt’
• Echeveria agavoides Gilvax
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Hidalgo’
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Lipstick’
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Macabeana’
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Maria
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Martin’s Hybrid
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Miranda
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Prolifera’
• Echeveria agavoides ‘pulidonis’
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Romeo Rubin’
• Echeveria agavoides Romeo
• Echeveria agavoides ‘Rubella’
• cheveria agavoides ‘Rubella’ Variety

In this article, we will learn about Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’.

Introduction

Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’ is one of the fascinating varieties of Echeveria agavoides. It has got thick and shiny grayish-green leaves that can grow up to 20 cm wide. While other varieties have got a light blush, these are darker in colour. The tips are garnished with an absolutely fascinating reddish-brown color that also spreads toward the margin. The dark color becomes more prominent during cold days or when it receives more sun rays. 

As mentioned in its name Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’, the leaves are sharper towards the tip which adds up fine details to the plant making it more alluring and enchanting. Flowers of this species bloom during late winter or early summer. The flowers are reddish pink with yellow tips in appearance. The other reason for this plant being more enticing and lovely is the presence of various and complementary colors in each section whether it be flowers or leaves. 

Origin

In the year 2000, John Trager and Myron Kimnach discovered Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’ growing in Mexico for the first time. Generally, it has only been a part of culture for 23 years but its demand among succulent lovers is skyrocketing. 

Root 

These plants have soft, adventitious roots, just like other succulents which reach 5-15 cm deep in the soil. The roots help in fetching water and other minerals required for the growth of plants. While selecting a container, a major consideration should be given to its roots. 

Stem 

These plants lack stems instead of which thick and fleshy leaves are present.

Leaves

Leaves are thick, fleshy, and triangular in shape accumulated together giving a tight rosette appearance. It has got a wide base and a sharp pointed tip. Its body is grayish green in color while its tip is tinted with reddish pink blush. These tints become denser when they receive optimum sunlight. The leaves are filled with flowy fluids which is the stored form of water and it protects plants from adverse dry periods.

Flowers

Flowers generally bloom during spring or early summer. These succulents have got a distinctive, long, soft, fleshy, pinkish-yellow colored blossom stalk. Around 5 to 6 flowers bloom each time on this stalk. The body of the flower is reddish pink in color while its tip and inner coat are yellowish. The whole flower resembles a lantern. Very minute pollen-like structures are found inside the flower. While the base is protected by a fleshy bract.

Preferred for What?

Echeveria agavoides Ebony are preferred for their resplendently attractive leaves. These can be grown easily outdoors and garnishes the rough ground. These are mainly preferred in hotel lawns, school gardens, hospitals, and other public places as these need minimum water and fertilizer management.

Is Echeveria agavoides ebony Rare?

These are rare succulents that are to be shipped from their original place which is Mexico. However, due to its greater adaptability, we can now find Echeveria agavoides Ebony almost all around the world. These plants are not found in extremely cold regions where the minimum sunlight hour is less than its minimum light requirement. 

Grown where?

Echeveria agavoides Ebony requires full sunlight and partial shade so these are generally grown outdoors. In general, Ebony cannot be nurtured indoors since most homes do not receive the required amount of sunlight that these plants need. However, on really cold days, plants must be brought inside to prevent them from bursting and/or shriveling. 

Growing Places in a House 

Places that receive morning sun can be the best place for setting these plants. As these plants were originally found in dry rocky areas so you don’t need to worry even though the place is dry. But what you can do is, visit your plant after every shiny day to check its water level. If the pot or area is too dry, water it till it is thoroughly wet. 

Plant Height, Diameter and Growth rate

Each plant grows to a height of about 15 cm and a width of about 20-30 cm. Generally, growth begins from the center which means the smallest baby Ebony lies in the center and is surrounded by bigger ones all around. Ebony plants grow slowly in comparison to other succulents and sometimes may be hard to propagate. 

Is It Good for First Time Plant Owner?

If you are a beginner and want succulents to be a part of your garden then I will recommend you to bring Echeveria agavoides Ebony. Here is why: 

• Extraordinarily beautiful among succulents.

• Has a rosette structure i.e., resembles with rose and other overlapping flowers, and at the same time requires less management. So it can easily replace roses in terms of management and beauty.

• Are hardy and can tolerate adverse environmental conditions.

• Can be grown at a minimum cost.

• Radiates different colors in different seasons( green during summer days, greenish-brown during cold or stressed days).

• Adds charm to the garden. 

• Flowers are lanterns shaped to exhibit an artistic look. 

Quick overview of The Plant

Botanical Classification

USDA Growing Zone

Ebony can be cultivated in the USDA hardiness zone of 9A – 12B. The minimum temperature in this region lies between -6 degree Celsius to 16 degrees Celsius on average. This zone is characterized by warmer tropical climates. Places falling under these zones are central Florida, Texas, California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, etc.

Also Read: 28 Stunning Pink Succulents To Grow

Toxicity

Echeveria agavoides Ebony is listed as a nontoxic succulent for pets. However, its consumption should be avoided. To keep pets and children out of the plants’ reach, keep them in high places. In case of faulty consumption, seek doctoral help immediately. 

Echeveria agavoides ebony vs Lipstick

People usually get confused about two varieties of Echeveria agavoides; viz. Echeveria agavoides Ebony and Echeveria agavoides Lipstick. Ebony varieties are thicker, wider, and smaller while lipstick varieties are more slender, long, and narrower. Also, the leaves of ebony are greenish gray while that of lipstick is vibrant green. 

Care

Quick overview for the care of Echeveria agavoides Ebony is tabulated below:-

The detailed explanation is given below:-

Soil 

Echeveria agavoides Ebony is a rock succulent; meaning it grows in soil with high sand content. It can be easily grown in gardens with low organic matter content and good drainage. High organic matter containing soil may rot its roots and degrade its quality. If you want to grow your succulent in a pot, use a succulent mix ( to know how to make succulent mix visit succulentpath…(website address)

Sunlight 

Ebony species prefer more sunlight and especially morning sunlight. This is because the more it gets sunlight the more it gets enriched with varied and darker colors which then makes it more vibrant and appealing. Also, the rationale for this predilection for early sunlight is that it is less damaging than the harsher daytime sunlight.

Water

The water requirement is very less for Ebony. It requires one water application every 10 to 15 days or depending on the moisture content in the soil. Generally, it can be watered when the soil is completely dry. To check the moisture level, take a pinch of sand on your finger and rub it. If no soil sticks on your finger then you can understand it’s time to water your plant. If you have planted your plant in a pot, then moisture can be known by tapping the pot. Bend your forefinger, turn your hand, and tap on the middle of the pot. If tapping produces a sound of an empty container then water the plant.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is the limiting factor for every plant. That is why, knowing the correct dose for a particular plant is a compulsion. Otherwise, your plant will start degrading. In the case of Echeveria agavoides Ebony, one to three drops of liquid fertilizer every 3 or 5 months is considered ideal. Liquid fertilizer is used instead of solid one to ensure proper distribution of fertilizer in no time. Also, using solid fertilizer increases the depth of soil which is not considered healthy for a succulent. If you don’t have access to liquid fertilizer, you can simply repot your plant and replace the pot with fresh succulent mix. Additionally, you can create your own fertilizer at home using materials like coffee grounds, eggshells, banana peels, etc.

Repotting

One should go for repotting only after knowing the objectives behind it. The main objectives for repotting are:

a. To transfer the plant to a bigger pot where it can grow easily.

b. To provide nutrient flow to the plant. 

c. Pruning of excess growth of leaves and/or roots.

d. To detach and transfer offsets from the mother plant to a new pot.

In Ebony, repotting is done once in every year or depending on our objectives for repotting. Remember, always select a shallow pot with a drainage hole for growing a succulent. 

Pruning

Dried, dead and wilted parts are pruned as soon as it is observed. Root pruning is also performed during repotting to encourage the juvenile growth of the plant. 

Read More: Ceropegia woodii “String of Arrows” – Care and Propagation

Echeveria agavoides ebony Propagation

Unlike other succulents, propagation on Echeveria agavoides Ebony is very difficult because this plant mainly grows in rosettes and hardly produces offsets; a propagule. The rate of plant-producing propagules is observed to be 10 to 15 % out of 100 plants. This ratio is what makes it rare among succulents. In addition to this, until offsets have fully grown stalks, it is challenging to guarantee 100% germination. 

In the latest research, it has been shown that Ebony can sprout new growths if its head is injured. Therefore, beheading can be a good approach to getting extra plants.  The best time for propagation of Ebony is at its peak growing stages, that is mid-spring. Along with it, other management practices such as beheading, pruning, and seed sowing can be performed at this time. 

1. Leaf propagation 

Another propagule besides offsets in Ebony is their leaves. A sad fact, however, is that due to the leaves’ extreme thickness and close attachment to the rosette, it is difficult to disseminate the leaves from them and the possibility of its leaves breaking off therefore exists. Only one case out of six has been successful. So it is not recommended for leaf propagation in the case of Ebony. 

2. Seed propagation

Seed propagation can be an effective and guaranteed way for the propagation of this succulent. However, it too has a disadvantage in that the seeds take a very long period to grow into a complete plant. If you are going for seed propagation, make sure you have the best seeds in your hand. Most of the shops sell fake seeds so do enough research on appearance and quality before buying it. 

Price

Being a rare plant, its price is definitely more than other succulents. You can buy this plant in a range of $49.9 to $500, from your nearby nurseries and online from places like eBay and Amazon. I recommend you buy these in its growing season which is during mid-spring. By then you will get these at lower prices.

Common Problems

Pests and diseases

Ebony is less likely to be susceptible to pests. In some cases, slippery substances can be felt around leaves and roots. If so, it indicates the infestation of mealybugs. These pests feed on saps and in the long run, completely deteriorate the whole plant. 

Particularly in the spring, fall, and during flowering, aphids tend to enter the center of the rosette. It is observed that the presence of ants indicates an infestation of aphids because ants and aphids work on mutualism where aphids provide sugar-rich honeydew to ant and in return ant provides protection against various natural enemies. 

Final Verdict

Echeveria agavoides Ebony, besides other echeveria species, is a rare and hardy succulent. Its appearance is absolutely stunning and eye-catching. It is no less than a mystical plant since the color of its leaves changes in response to the intensity of the sun. It is generally grown outdoors in sandy soil. If you are fond of growing succulents, don’t miss this wonderful plant.