Echeveria agavoides is a small, stemless succulent plant, 8–12 centimetres (3.1–4.7 in) tall, with a rosette of leaves 7–15 centimetres (2.8–5.9 in) in diameter. It is often solitary, but old plants in good condition grow offsets. The leaves are green, triangular, thicker (6 mm) and more acute than the other echeverias - hence the explanation of their name agavoides, "looking like an agave"

As with most echeverias, E. agavoides may be harmed by moisture and prefers mineral soils, growing best in light and even direct sunshine, which aids flowering. In order to flower, plants need rest in the winter, without water and in a cold place - but not less than 5 °C (41 °F). In temperate regions they must be kept indoors during winter, but may be placed outside during the summer months