Scientific Name
Agave ocahui Gentry
Common Name(s)
Ocahui, Ocahui Century Plant, Ocahui Hardy Century Plant, Ojahui, Amolillo
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave ocahui is an attractive succulent that forms a usually solitary rosette of dark green, densely packed leaves with toothless reddish-brown margins and a sharp gray-brown terminal spine. The rosette can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall and 4 feet (1.2 m) in diameter. The leaves are narrow and measure up to 1.5 feet (45 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The terminal spine is one inch (2.5 cm) long and bends easily.
The flower spike is unbranched, up to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall, and densely crowded with small bright yellow flowers. Once the rosette blooms, it will die.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °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. On the other hand, if 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 injure 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 long to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plants as little as possible since they do not like to be disturbed. When repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and ensure 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
Agave ocahui is native to Northeastern Sonora State, Mexico, at an elevation of 1500 to 4500 feet (450 to 1350 m).
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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