Agave ovatifolia - Whale's Tongue Agave

Scientific Name

Agave ovatifolia G.D.Starr & Villarreal

Common Names

Whale’s Tongue Agave

Scientific Classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave

Description

Agave ovatifolia is a solitary succulent that grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and up to 6 feet (1.8 m) wide, with a rounded rosette of short wide gray leaves that are distinctively cupped. Leaves have small teeth along their margins and a 1 inch (2.5 cm) long dark gray terminal spine. When this succulent plant flowers it forms a up to 14 foot (4.2 m) tall spike with greenish-yellow flowers.

Photo via rockoakdeer.blogspot.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. It’s also best to handle your Agave as little as possible, since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Agave.