Scientific Name
Agave salmiana Otto ex Salm-Dyck
Common Name(s)
Giant Agave, Pulque Agave, Century Plant
Synonym(s)
Agave atrovirens var. salmiana, Agave salmiana var. salmiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave salmiana is a succulent plant that forms a large rosette of thick dark green leaves with strong teeth on the edges and a large terminal spine. The leaves grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) long. It flowers after 15 to 25 years, producing a vertical floral stem, typically up to 13 feet (4 m) long, bearing greenish-yellow flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °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. On the other hand, if 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 injure small children and even pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and 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 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
Agave salmiana is native to central and southern Mexico.
Varieties and Cultivars
- Agave salmiana var. ferox
- Agave salmiana var. ferox 'Medio Picta'
- Agave salmiana var. ferox 'Variegata'
- Agave salmiana 'Green Giant'
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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