Agave macroacantha (Black Spined Agave)

Scientific Name

Agave macroacantha Zucc.

Common Names

Black Spined Agave

Synonyms

Agave besseriana, Agave flavescens var. macroacantha, Agave integrifolia, Agave linearis, Agave oligophylla, Agave pugioniformis, Agave subfalcata

Scientific Classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave

Description

Agave macroacantha is a very distinctive small to medium-sized Agave with leaf rosette that can be basal or can grow on a very short stem. Leaves are succulent, grayish green and up to 1.8 feet (55 cm) long, ending in sharp black spines that are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long at the tips. Flowers are small, grey and red, growing in bunches on sturdy stems of up to 10 feet (3 m) in height.

Photo via faroutflora.com

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… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Agave.