Agave victoriae-reginae aka Royal Agave
Taxonomy
Agave victoriae-reginae, also known as the Queen Victoria agave or royal agave, is a small succulent perennial plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico. It is highly appreciated as an ornamental due to its striking sculptured geometrical leaves, which are green with distinct white markings along the leaf keels or margins. The rosettes of this agave are compact and grow up to 0.5m in height. The leaves are short, rigid, and thick, with the terminus often adorned with 1 to 3 spines. Cream-colored flowers are borne in tall, erect racemes that can reach up to 4m in length. This agave species is cold-hardy and finds favor as a decorative accent in gardens, particularly in northerly regions. In the UK, it is recommended to keep this plant in heated conditions under glass during winter. When grown as a houseplant, it thrives in porous, sandy soil with direct sunlight or bright shade. It requires infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Propagation is typically done by seed, as basal shoots are rare. Agave victoriae-reginae has gained recognition for its attributes and is the recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Additionally, a study focused on this species revealed its morphological and anatomical adaptations for seed hydro-dispersion, with flattened seeds that can be dispersed during flood events in canyon walls.
Common names
Royal Agave, Queen Victoria's AgaveHow to care for Royal Agave
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Royal Agave is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Royal Agave does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Royal 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
Royal 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 Queen Victoria's Agave will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Royal 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
Royal 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 Royal 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
Royal Agave’s native range is the Americas.
More info:
Wikipedia
