Agave americana aka Agave
Taxonomy
Agave americana, commonly known as the Century Plant, Maguey or American Aloe, is a species of flowering plant, native to Mexico and the United States in Texas. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family - not to the same family as aloe, though they share the same order - and is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant. Popular as a houseplant, it requires minimal maintenance and little water to thrive and can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 10 feet (3 m) wide. It has fleshy, arching leaves in gray-green or variegated colors and will do best in long-lasting, direct light, less than 1 foot from a window. It has also naturalized in many regions, including parts of the West Indies, South America, Mediterranean Basin, Africa, Canary Islands, India, China, Thailand, and Australia.
Common names
Agave, American Century Plant, American AgaveHow to care for Agave
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Agave is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Agave does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
When growing the Agave, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.
Lighting
Agave requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your American Century Plant is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Agave to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Agave is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
Agave plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.
Fertilizer
The Agave grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Agave as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Agave’s native range is the Americas.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Agave with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Agave Genus
Agave inaequidens
Agave parryi Parry's Agave
Agave geminiflora Twin Flowered Agave
Agave victoriae-reginae Royal Agave
Agave stricta Hedgehog Agave
Agave vilmoriniana Octopus Plant
Agave salmiana Pulque Agave
Agave havardiana Havard Agave
