Scientific Name
Agave lophantha Schiede
Synonym(s)
Agave univittata, Agave univittata var. lophantha
Common Name(s)
Thorncrest Agave, Thorncrest Century Plant, Thorn-crested Agave, Thorn-crested Century Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Etymology
The specific epithet "lophantha" (pronounced "low-FAN-tha") means "crest-flowered" or "tuft-flowered." It likely refers to the appearance of the flowers on the spike, which have prominent stamens that extend outward. When the flowers are densely packed along the tall flowering spike, they create a tufted ridge resembling a crest.
Origin
Agave lophantha is native to the coastal areas of southern Texas in the United States and northeastern Mexico. It grows on freely draining cliffs, rocky outcrops, and limestone and igneous rock at elevations from 100 to 4,920 feet (30 to 1,500 m).
Description
Agave lophantha, also known as Agave univittata, is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of stiff, green to yellowish-green leaves with a small terminal spine and white or light grey, wavy margins lined with relatively large teeth. The rosettes produce numerous offsets around the base and can reach a height of 2 feet (60 cm) and a diameter of 3.3 feet (1 m). The leaves are linear to lance-shaped, measuring up to 28 inches (70 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
Mature rosettes produce an erect stalk that bears greenish-white to yellowish-green flowers. The flower stalk can grow up to 16 feet (5 m) tall. The rosettes die after flowering.
Cultivars of Agave lophantha
How to Grow and Care for Agave lophantha
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
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 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 being 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 deeply, as this can 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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