Agave
Agave spp.
Agave macroacantha 1 by Stan Shebs (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
H1c
RHS hardiness
5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
5m | Max | 2m |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Agave
Agave Overview
Agave is a genus containing around 269 succulent perennials from the Asparagaceae family. They are well adapted to dry desert and mountainous regions. Flowering can take up to 10 years for smaller species (30cm) and between 20-40 years for taller species (5m). These plants are termed monocarpic as they tend to flower once, then die. Flower spikes form from the centre, bearing funnel-shaped, brightly coloured flowers in clusters on mostly leafless stems. Getting the conditions right for flowering when grown as a houseplant can be tricky, and rosettes only flower once before dying. Fleshy foliage is arranged in rosettes, leaves are distinctly rigid, sword-shaped and toothed on the edges, with sharp spikes which enlarge as the plant grows.
Common problems with Agave
How to propagate Agave
Seed
Division
Offsets in spring or autumn
Special features of Agave
Attractive leaves
Drought resistant
Other uses of Agave
Agave tequilana is pulped and fermented, turning the sugars into alcohol, to create the Mexican drink Tequila. Agave sisalana, or sisal, is made from the leaf fibres of the plant. Uses include strong, sunlight resistant rugs and carpets, cords, sandals and baskets.