Echeveria agavoides 'Ebony'

This cultivar is named for its darker colouring, which deepens to an ebony tint on the tips of each leaf. Bright light will help sustain its striking colouring, and it is a fabulous addition to any succulent selection with its distinctive deep hue. New leaves grow from the centre, starting small and then growing to form part of the stunning rosette shape characteristic of this genus. Add this plant to bring its stunning, unusual deep green and red-black colour to your windowsill.

Scientific Name
Echeveria agavoides 'Ebony' (Echeverría's Agave-like plant, cultivar: ebony)

Synonyms: Cotyledon agavoides, Echeveria obscura, Echeveria yuccoides, Urbinia agavoides, Urbinia obscura, Echeveria obscura

This plant was first described in an 1836 paper, and keeps the same accepted scientific name now as then.

Common Name(s)
Ebony Echeveria, Black-Tipped Echeveria, Mold Wax, Molded Wax Agave, Ebony Wax Agave

Origin
Native to arid areas in Northeastern and Southwestern Mexico

Light
Bright light is necessary to keep this plant's colour bold. To enhance those deep red-black tips, give it a few hours of direct sun each day; avoid the harshest midday sun, which can scorch it a bit too much.

Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. Water thoroughly during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in autumn and winter, ensuring soil remains dry for longer periods.

Humidity
Low humidity is what this plant is used to, so make sure it's not anywhere excessively damp.

Soil
Plant in a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Add sand or perlite for extra drainage, and ensure the pot has decent drainage holes. Repot every couple of years as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every couple of months during the growing season with a diluted cactus and succulent fertiliser. Stop feeding in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Best kept in temperatures between 18-26°C but can tolerate as low as 5°C. Protect from frost and cold draughts.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
To enhance its dark colouring, provide as much light as possible while avoiding scorching. Rotate the plant occasionally to encourage even growth and prevent leaning.

Extras
You may get tall flower spikes growing off your plant in spring or summer, adding some extra visual interest with pink or red blooms.