Agave geminiflora aka Twin Flowered Agave

Taxonomy

Agave geminiflora, also known as twin flowered agave, is a perennial succulent endemic to the Mexican State of Nayarit. This somewhat rare agave species forms a dense rosette of 100-200 linear leaves, which are dark green with convex edges adorned with white horny lines and curled threads. In late summer, mature plants produce a tall inflorescence with 5-6 centimeter long flowers that are dark red and yellow in color. Hardy to -5°C, this dwarf agave species thrives in a sunny location with sharp drainage. It is typically found in oak woodlands, rocky arroyos, and rocky ground in its limited native habitat north of Ocotillo, Mexico.

Common names

Twin Flowered Agave, Spaghetti Strap Agave

How to care for Twin Flowered Agave

Difficulty

Twin Flowered Agave is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Twin Flowered Agave does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Twin Flowered Agave is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Twin Flowered Agave requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Twin Flowered Agave will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Twin Flowered Agave to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Twin Flowered Agave thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Twin Flowered Agave is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Twin Flowered Agave’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia