Scientific Name
Agave 'Sharkskin Shoes'
Common Name(s)
Northern Sharkskin Agave, Sharkskin Agave
Synonym(s)
Agave 'Sharkskin', Agave 'Ruth Bancroft'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave 'Sharkskin Shoes' is a succulent plant that forms stunningly architectural rosettes of dark gray-green leaves. The rosettes grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall and up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in diameter. The leaves are evenly spaced, thick, and triangular, with smooth margins and a prominent sturdy terminal spine.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °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 be 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, 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 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
Agave 'Sharkskin Shoes' is originally from a population of naturally occurring hybrids of the "ferdinandi-regis" form of Agave victoriae-reginae crossed with a subspecies of Agave scabra, now considered to be a subspecies of Agave asperrima.
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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