Scientific Name
Agave horrida Lem. ex Jacobi
Common Name(s)
Mexcalmetl
Synonym(s)
Agave horrida subsp. horrida, Agave desmetiana, Agave gilbeyi, Agave grandidentata, Agave maigretiana, Agave regeliana, Agave triangularis var. rigidissima
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Etymology
The specific epithet "horrida (HOR-id-uh)" means "rough, bristly, or shaggy" and refers to the large teeth on the leaf margins.
Description
Agave horrida is a succulent plant that forms symmetrical rosettes of dark green leaves with brown, often recurved, sharp teeth along the margins and a sharp terminal spine. The rosettes can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height and diameter. The teeth bleach out to gray with age.
The yellow flowers appear on erect stalks that can grow up to 16.4 feet (5 m) in height.
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 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, 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 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave
Origin
Agave horrida is native to Mexico.
Subspecies
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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