Scientific Name
Agave parviflora Torr.
Common Names
Smallflower Century Plant, Santa Cruz Striped Agave, Small-flower Agave, Small-flowered Agave
Synonyms
Agave parviflora subsp. parviflora, Agave hartmanii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave parviflora is a succulent that forms a small rosette of waxy, dark green with white markings and margins with peeling fibers. The rosette grows up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The fleshy leaves are up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The mature rosette produces an up to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall inflorescence with cream or pale yellow flowers in summer.
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. If, however, you are 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 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 of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and take a long time to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plant as little as possible since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and make sure 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
Native to Arizona in the United States and Sonora in Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
