Scientific Name
Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw.
Common Name(s)
False Agave, Giant Cabuya, Giant False Agave, Giant Lily, Green Aloe, Cuban Hemp, Cuba Hemp, Mauritian Hemp, Mauritius Hemp
Synonym(s)
Agave foetida, Aloe foetida
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Furcraea
Origin
Furcraea foetida is native to the Caribbean and northern South America.
Description
Furcraea foetida is a succulent plant that forms a rosette of sword-shaped leaves with usually entire margins, at least in the distal half. It is stemless or has a short stem and can reach up to 5 feet (1.5 m) in height. The leaves can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide.
The flowers are strongly scented, greenish to creamy-white, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. They appear in a large inflorescence that can grow up to 25 feet (7.5 m) tall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 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 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 species commonly found in cultivation grow slowly and take long to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plants 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.
Links
- Back to genus Furcraea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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