Agave havardiana aka Havard Agave

Taxonomy

Agave havardiana, also known as Havard's Century Plant, is a succulent plant species native to the Big Bend area of western Texas, as well as Chihuahua and Coahuila. It is a cold-hardy and drought-resistant plant that prefers grassy to rocky slopes or woodlands at elevations of 1200-2000m. This acaulescent species forms rosettes low to the ground, sometimes creating suckers but not forming large colonies like some other species. The short, silver-grey to nearly white triangular leaves of Agave havardiana are up to 70cm long, with teeth along the margins and at the tip. Flowering stalks can be up to 7m tall, bearing yellow to yellow-green flowers that attract birds and bees. Fruits are dry, oblong, up to 6cm long. Havard Agave is a super rare houseplant that prefers long-lasting, direct light and soil that is extremely well-draining. It doesn't need much water to thrive and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Unfortunately, this species is under threat from habitat loss, mostly for cattle ranching.

Common names

Havard Agave, Havard's Century Plant

How to care for Havard Agave

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Havard Agave, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

The Havard Agave is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Havard Agave thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Havard's Century Plant.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Havard Agave plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Havard Agave prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Havard Agave is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Havard Agave’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia