Scientific Name
Agave albopilosa I.Cabral, Villarreal & A.E.Estrada
Common Name(s)
White Hair Agave
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Origin
Agave albopilosa is native to Mexico (Sierra Madre Oriental).
Description
Agave albopilosa is a stunning succulent plant that forms rosettes of narrow, mid-green leaves with white tufts of short, white, hairlike fibers around the obscuring terminal spine. The rosettes can grow solitary or clustered and reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. The leaves are upturned, thick, and ridged and can grow up to 9.2 inches (23 cm) long and 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide.
Mature rosettes produce an unbranched spike that rises to 4 feet (1.2 m) and bears greenish-purple flowers that emerge from dark purple buds at the top half of the spike.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Agaves are not difficult plants to grow. They are slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you are the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you are the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might be the way to go. Be aware that some large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes very sharp thorns that can cause injuries to small children and even pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and take a long time to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plants as little as possible since they do not like to be disturbed. When repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot. However, be careful not to pot the Agave too deep, as that will encourage stem rot during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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