Agave gypsophila (Gypsum Century Plant)

Scientific Name

Agave gypsophila Gentry

Common Names

Gypsum Century Plant, Blue Wave Agave, Gypsiferous

Scientific Classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave

Description

Agave gypsophila is a small, mostly solitary, rosette forming succulent up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The open rosette is up to 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter. The leaves are wavy and gray, with small, narrowly-spaced, soft spines along the margins. Young emerging, pale gray-green leaves clasp together in a tube-like manner before expanding out and turning more wavy and grayer in color. With age will produce a few suckers at the base of the plant. When the infrequent flowering occurs, the orange-yellow flowers are born on up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall panicle.

Photo via jardindealoes.blogspot.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They’re slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you’re 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’re 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 of the 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, Agave do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It’s also best to handle your Agave as little as possible, since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with 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… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Agave