Agave parviflora aka Little Princess Agave

Taxonomy ID: 13585

Agave parviflora, also known as Santa Cruz striped agave, smallflower century plant, and small-flower agave, is a succulent perennial flowering plant in the asparagus family. Native to Arizona in the United States and Sonora in Mexico, this species is characterized by its small rosette, growing up to 25 cm tall and 20 cm wide. The succulent leaves are waxy dark green with white markings and peeling fibers along the margins. In the summer, Agave parviflora produces an inflorescence reaching 1-2 m tall, adorned with cream or pale yellow flowers that are pollinated by bees. Despite its small size, it is sought after by collectors, leading to a decline in its native habitat. However, the population appears to be stable due to growth in protected areas. This species has gained recognition in cultivation and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Subspecies of Agave parviflora include ssp. parviflora and ssp. densiflora. Overall, Agave parviflora is a lovely, symmetrical plant with dark green leaves and small, pale yellow flowers.

Common names

Little Princess Agave, Santa Cruz Striped Agave, Smallflower Century Plant

More information about Little Princess Agave

How difficult is it to take care of Little Princess Agave

Little Princess Agave requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

What is the region of origin of Little Princess Agave

Little Princess Agave’s native range is the Americas.

What are the water needs for Little Princess Agave

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

What is the right soil for Little Princess Agave

The Little Princess 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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Little Princess Agave

Little Princess 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 Little Princess Agave will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

What's the right humidity for Little Princess Agave

Little Princess 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.

How to fertilize Little Princess Agave

The growth of Little Princess 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.

Is Little Princess Agave toxic to humans/pets?

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.

What seasonal care does Little Princess Agave need?

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

More info:
Wikipedia