Echeveria agavoides 'Miranda' – Growth, Features and Care Guide
Bright, sculptural, and tougher than it looks – Echeveria agavoides 'Miranda' is a compact succulent with clean geometry and vibrant color accents. Its rosette stays neat and symmetrical, made of thick, triangular leaves resembling agave – the inspiration for its species name. Each leaf tapers to a point tipped with deep reddish-pink, especially when grown in strong light. Combined with a pale lime base, the rosette almost looks wax-molded – a quality that sets it apart among other Echeveria cultivars.
This succulent rarely exceeds 15 cm in height or width, making it perfect for windowsills, ledges, or clustered displays. When mature, it may send up a slender bloom stalk up to 50 cm tall, topped with coral-pink, bell-shaped flowers with sunny yellow tips – an elegant bonus for a plant prized for year-round structure.
Main Traits and Highlights
Sculptural Form: Thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a tight rosette (10–15 cm wide)
Color Play: Lime-green base with natural red tips that deepen under strong light
Glossy Finish: Smooth, wax-like texture for a ceramic look
Flowering Display: Summer bloom stalks with pink-to-yellow bell flowers
Compact Size: Ideal for small decorative pots and mixed arrangements
Low Maintenance: Highly drought-tolerant and slow-growing
Background and Natural Origin
Echeveria agavoides originates from rocky cliffs and semi-arid regions of Mexico, thriving in shallow, gritty soils with intense sunlight and low humidity. Daytime temperatures in its habitat often reach 20–30 °C, with cool nights and minimal rain. 
‘Miranda’ is a hybrid cultivar selected for its bold color and symmetry. Indoors, it grows slowly and stays compact, forming a solitary rosette with occasional basal offsets. Roots are shallow, and the plant prefers to remain slightly root-bound. While non-toxic to humans, keep it out of reach of pets, as ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Echeveria agavoides 'Miranda' Care Guide
Light: Needs bright light year-round; a few hours of direct sun enhances color. Acclimate gradually to avoid scorch.
Watering: Water deeply, then allow soil to dry completely. Less frequent watering in cooler months.
Soil: Use a mineral-rich succulent mix with added pumice or perlite for sharp drainage.
Temperature: Ideal 15–25 °C; tolerates brief dips to 10 °C if dry.
Humidity: Prefers low humidity; avoid overly damp environments.
Feeding: Apply diluted cactus fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when root-bound. Use wide, shallow pots with drainage holes.
Propagation: Offsets or leaf cuttings; allow cut ends to callous before planting.
Hydroponics: Not suitable; thrives best in gritty, well-aerated soil.
Pruning: Remove dried leaves and spent flower stalks to keep rosette tidy.
Common Problems and Solutions
Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Use fast-draining soil and allow soil to dry between waterings.
Mealybugs: Remove visible pests with alcohol-dipped swabs; isolate affected plants.
Fungus Gnats: Sign of overly wet soil. Let mix dry fully; use sticky traps if needed.
Stretching: Indicates low light. Move plant to a brighter location or use grow lights.
Leaf Burn: Sudden exposure to harsh sun. Introduce direct light gradually.
Extra Care Tips
Keep 'Miranda' slightly underpotted for best results. Mimic its natural habitat: abundant light, gritty soil, and dry intervals. As the plant matures, it may produce offsets that can be divided in spring or left to cluster for a fuller display.
Etymology
The genus Echeveria honors Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy, a Mexican botanical illustrator. The species name agavoides means “agave-like,” referring to its pointed leaves. Echeveria agavoides was first described by Charles Lemaire in 1863 in L’Illustration Horticole.
FAQs about Echeveria 'Miranda'
Can I use regular potting soil?
No. Regular soil holds too much water. Use a fast-draining succulent mix.
Is ‘Miranda’ suitable for small pots?
Yes, provided the container is shallow and has drainage holes.
Will it survive on a north-facing windowsill?
Unlikely. It needs strong light; choose east or south exposure or supplement with grow lights.
Ready to Add This Sculptural Succulent to Your Collection?
Order Echeveria agavoides 'Miranda' today and enjoy a compact, low-maintenance plant with glowing red tips and architectural form.