Scientific Name
Agave mitis Mart.
Common Name(s)
Mitis Agave, Mitis Century Plant
Synonym(s)
Agave celsii, Agave micracantha var. mitis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave mitis is an ornamental succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy, blue-green to yellow-green leaves that gracefully curve upwards. The rosettes grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, producing offsets around the base. Leaves are up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide and have soft terminal spines and tiny backward curving, brown spines along the margins.
The mature rosettes produce an erect, up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall flowering stalk with green, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long flowers closely appressed against the stalk, forming a narrow column much more compact than most other species. In addition, they produce numerous bulbils on the inflorescence.
This species is better known and often sold as Agave celsii.
Origin
Agave mitis is native to Mexico. It occurs on limestone outcrops in Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo León.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 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 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 repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Varieties and Hybrids
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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