Century Plant

Family

Aspaeagaceae

Native

Mexico

Description

Agave americana is an evergreen, succulent plant forming a large, rosette of sharply-pointed leaves a metre or more long and a flowering stem that can be 7 metres or more tall. The stems of this plant are very short and woody. The leaves are normally bluish-grey (glaucous) to greyish-green in colour. The leaf margins coarsely toothed, with prickly teeth (up to 1 cm long) borne at intervals of 2-6 cm. The leaves have a pointed tip topped with a large dark-brown coloured spine (1.5-6 cm long).

Near the end of its life, the plant sends up a tall, branched stalk, laden with yellow blossoms, that may reach a total height up to 25 -30 ft tall. The plant dies after flowering, but produces suckers or adventitious shoots from the base, which continue its growth.

Environment

Agaves need full sun and gritty soil that percolates easily. They can even do quite well when potted but use an unglazed clay pot that will allow evaporation of excess moisture.

Water needs are moderate to light depending upon the heat of the season but the Cactus should be allowed to dry out before irrigation

In growing season they benefit from the application of a granulated time release fertilizer that will provide nutrient to the plant.

Landscape Uses

It is also a popular landscape plant in beach gardens