Scientific Name
Agave nizandensis Cutak
Common Name(s)
Nizanda Agave
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Etymology
The specific epithet "nizandensis (ny-zan-DEN-sis)" refers to the village Nizanda, where the species was discovered.
Origin
Agave nizandensis is native to southern Mexico. It occurs in a small area near Nizanda in Asunción Ixtaltepec in Oaxaca.
Description
Agave nizandensis is a low-growing succulent that forms stemless rosettes of green leaves with a pale mid-stripe. The rosettes can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, slowly spreading by stolons. The leaves are narrow with small marginal teeth and a blunt red terminal spine, measuring up to 1 foot (30 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. They are recurved downwards, with a flat to slightly concave upper surface and convex below. In winter or with some water stress, leaves are flushed with red or purple.
The yellowish-green flowers appear in clusters on a tall spike, usually in summer. The flower spike can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height.
How to Grow and Care for Agave nizandensis
Light: These plants require full sun to part shade. If you are growing Agaves indoors, choose a bright, sunny window with as much sun as possible. Agave plants love going outside from spring to fall.
Soil: Agaves will tolerate most soils as long as they have good drainage but prefer sandy or rocky soil.
Hardiness: Agave nizandensis can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 40 °F (-1.1 to 4.4 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 10b.
Watering: Mature plants are very drought tolerant. From spring to fall, water thoroughly your Agave when the soil mix becomes dry. In winter, water sparingly about once a month. Plants in containers require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing: Give your Agaves a small amount of fertilizer in the spring during the first two years.
Repotting: When the pot becomes full of roots, it has become pot-bound. If you notice your Agave becoming pot-bound, repot it with new soil in a pot slightly larger than the old one.
Propagation: Since it can take years to produce seeds, Agaves are usually propagated by offsets.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Toxicity of Agave nizandensis
Agave nizandensis is not toxic to humans but may be mildly poisonous to children and pets.
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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