Scientific Name
Agave fourcroydes Lem.
Common Names
Henequen, Henequen Agave, White Henequen, Yucatan Sisal, Cuban Sisal, Sisal Hemp
Synonyms
Agave fourcroydes var. espiculata, Agave rigida var. elongata, Agave sullivanii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave fourcroydes is a monocarpic succulent with grayish-green, lance-shaped leaves that grow directly from the stem, forming a dense rosette. The plant stem is up to 6 feet (1.8 m) in the wild but averages about 3 feet (90 cm) under cultivation. Leaves are up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long and up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. They are edged with sharp teeth and have a strong terminal spine. The flower stalk is up to 20 feet (6 m) tall and bears sterile, greenish-white flowers up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) across. The rosette dies after flowering. The flower stalk produces bulbils that can be planted, but commercial propagation is usually done by removing and replanting the clonal pups from the base of the plant stalk.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 10b: from 10 °F (−3.9 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °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 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 of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and take a long time to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plant as little as possible since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do 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 to encourage stem rot during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
Native to southern Mexico and Guatemala.
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
