Agave bracteosa aka Squid Agave

Agave bracteosa, called squid agave or spider agave, is an evergreen succulent. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. It comes from northern Mexico's Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. Its range includes Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas. Wild plants cling to limestone cliffs and rocky slopes. They root in cracks, often on north-facing or northeast-facing rock. These sites can have cool, foggy days.

The plant forms an open rosette on a short stem. Its narrow, fleshy leaves rise, then bend out and down. They are green to yellow-green, with smooth, soft surfaces. The leaves taper to points but lack stout terminal spines. Garden plants reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 m] tall. The RHS gives a spread of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 m]. LLIFLE reports larger garden colonies, reaching 4.9–5.9 feet [1.5–1.8 m] across. Growth is slow, with maturity taking 10–20 years.

Mature plants flower in early summer. An upright, unbranched spike bears close-set cream to pale yellow flowers. Long stamens project well beyond the tepals. Flower stalks reach 3.9–5.9 feet [1.2–1.8 m], sometimes 7.9 feet [2.4 m]. Sources differ on what happens after flowering. The RHS says plants die and do not form offsets. LLIFLE describes offsets and says some flowering plants survive. It considers death after flowering the more usual outcome.

Grow this agave in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Sandy or loamy soil must drain well. The RHS lists acid, neutral and alkaline soils as suitable. Under glass, use cactus compost and provide full light. Water well in summer, then reduce watering in autumn. Keep the plant dry during winter. Summer care can include three or four low-nitrogen feeds. It tolerates drought and needs no pruning. The RHS rates it H4 for UK hardiness. It also reports survival near −13°C in warm sites with very sharp drainage.

Its curved leaves add strong shape to rock and gravel gardens. It also suits pots, patios, courtyards and greenhouse displays. The RHS lists coastal gardens and flower borders among its uses. Scale insects can attack it, though diseases are not a usual problem. Its soft leaves do not make it safe to handle barehanded. The RHS warns that it can irritate skin. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it. Dogs and cats can be harmed if they eat it.