Agave parryi aka Parry's Agave

Taxonomy

Parry's Agave (Agave parryi), also known as mescal agave, is a low-maintenance, clump-forming succulent native to North and Central America. Its attractive gray-green rosettes, with a dark tan, brown, or black tip, can grow as large as 2½ feet in diameter and mature plants can grow up to 20-30 branches with hundreds of blooms. This slow-growing perennial is evergreen, hardy to roughly -5 °F (-21 °C), and requires full sun. Like most agaves, it will eventually flower in yellow, red, or green before dying. Parry's agave is perfect for the beginner gardener, needing very little water and virtually no maintenance, plus it has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. These plants should be kept less than one foot from a window for optimal light.

Common names

Parry's Agave, Parry's Century Plant, Mescal

How to care for Parry's Agave

Difficulty

Caring for Parry's Agave is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Parry's Agave does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Parry's 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

Parry's 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 Parry's Century Plant is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Parry's Agave to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Parry's 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 Parry's 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

The Parry's Agave is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.

Region of origin

Parry's Agave’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia