Scientific Name
Agave stricta 'Nana'
Common Names
Dwarf Hedgehog Agave
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave stricta 'Nana' is a small succulent that slowly grows to form symmetrical rosettes of narrow, pale green, spine-tipped leaves with tiny teeth along the margins. The rosettes grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall and about the same in diameter. Leaves are more rough than sharp to the touch. With time new offsets form at the base from short rhizomes to create attractive, tightly packed colonies. Occasionally a rosette will flower with a tall, sometimes crooked stalk, rising well above the foliage in late summer. The mature rosette dies after flowering but is quickly replaced by surrounding ones.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °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. If, however, 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 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 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 repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
This succulent is a cultivar of Agave stricta.
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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