Agave univittata aka Mc Kelvey's Century Plant

Taxonomy

Agave univittata, also known as the thorn-crested century plant or thorn-crested agave, is a succulent leaf plant native to coastal areas of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. It thrives at elevations below 100 m (300 feet) and has thick, fleshy leaves that are stiff and wavy along the margins. The leaves are adorned with sharp spines on the edges and tips. This perennial evergreen plant produces a flowering stalk that can reach up to 5 m (16 feet) in height, bearing greenish-white to yellowish-green flowers. Agave univittata is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, and the cultivar 'Quadricolor' has even received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in the UK. 'Quadricolor' is a variegated succulent with rosettes of toothed leaves that display striking stripes of green and yellow, occasionally tinged with pink in colder weather. Despite its ornamental value, Agave univittata is not considered threatened by the IUCN due to its stable and widespread population. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in various climates, including desert, subtropical, Mediterranean, tropic, and temperate regions. With proper care, it can even withstand winter in hardiness zones 8 and above.

Common names

Mc Kelvey's Century Plant, Thorncrest Century Plant

How to care for Mc Kelvey's Century Plant

Difficulty

Mc Kelvey's Century Plant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Mc Kelvey's Century Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Mc Kelvey's Century Plant 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

Mc Kelvey's Century Plant 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 Mc Kelvey's Century Plant.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Mc Kelvey's Century Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

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

Mc Kelvey's Century Plant 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 Mc Kelvey's Century Plant 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.

Growth-pattern

Mc Kelvey's Century Plant grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Mc Kelvey's Century Plant’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia