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Agaves (Agave)
Agaves are ornamental plants that require very little water and survive well in hot, dry climates. The leaves of the plants form small rosettes that produce long stalks of flowers. They are slow-growing plants that can take years to bloom but die as soon as blooming occurs. However, most agaves produce sucker plants that grow along the base of the host plant and these new plants will continue to grow and survive.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Agaves
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Attributes of Agaves
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
1.5 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
5 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Agaves
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Monocotyledons
Order
Asparagus and allies
Family
Asparagus
Genus
Agaves
Distribution of Agaves
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Distribution Map of Agaves
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Agaves
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The agaves genus, a hardy and drought-tolerant group of plants, requires minimal care and thrives best in full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate temperatures. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, so it's key to provide less water in a well-draining potting mix. Common challenges include pests such as agave snout weevil, and susceptibility to diseases like agaves necrotic spot virus. Seasonally, the plant demands more water in hot, dry climates and less during cooler winters. It's crucial to guard against frost in winter months.
How to Water Agaves?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Agaves?
How to Propagate Agaves?
How to Plant Agaves?
Exploring the Agaves Plants
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8 most common species：
Foxtail agave
Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is an agave species native to the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Foxtail agave is a popular ornamental species in gardens in subtropical climates. This species grows best in loamy soil protected from direct sunlight. This species may die if it is exposed to prolonged periods of frost.
Tuberose
The tuberose has a long history of providing fragrance to the world. Used in perfumery since the 17th century, tuberose was a scent worn by French Queen Marie Antoinette, and has continued to be used widely for its distinctive, although extremely strong, scent.
Century plant
The century plant, contrary to its name, only lives about 20 -30 years. The name comes from the fact that it only blooms once during its entire life. Near the end of its lifespan, the century plant sprouts a large stalk that can reach 9 m high and unveils yellow flowers. Most parts of the plant are useful; the tough leaf fibers can be woven into mats or ropes, and the moisture-laden contents are used to create various alcohols.
False aloe
False aloe (Agave virginica) is a succulent species native to the eastern United States and Mexico. The false aloe attracts sphinx moths, bees, and hummingbirds. Agave virginica is also known as the rattlesnake master or the Virginia agave.
Butterfly agave
Butterfly agave (Agave potatorum) is an evergreen perennial succulent that will grow to 61 cm tall. It forms a rosette with small, silvery-blue leaves. When the plant is about 10 years old it will produce a flower stalk that is 3 to 4.5 m tall with greenish-white flowers tinged with red. It thrives in full sun, hot conditions and well-drained soil.
Sisal
Sisal (Agave sisalana) is a succulent plant whose yellow flowers bloom along a stalk rising up to 9 m tall and have an unpleasant scent. The flowers, stalk, basal rosette and sap of this plant are edible. Plant in full sun outdoors or place in a bright, sunny location indoors.
Queen Victoria Agave
The queen Victoria Agave is a magnificent species of cactus adorned with thick green leaves with distinct white markings arranged in a round, whorl-like structure. This slow-growing plant is monocarpic and will die after producing its fragrant red-purple flowers. Generally, this ornamental plant is great for accent, rock, and display gardens.
Parry's Agave
Parry's Agave (Agave parryi) is a flowering succulent native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Parry's Agave is considered slow-growing compared to other succulent species. It is often cultivated for use in desert-style landscaping, planted as ground cover, and kept as a houseplant. Parry's Agave requires full sunlight and minimal water for optimal growth. In the wild, it grows in scrublands, woodlands, and grasslands.
All Species of Agaves
Foxtail agave
Foxtail agave
Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is an agave species native to the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Foxtail agave is a popular ornamental species in gardens in subtropical climates. This species grows best in loamy soil protected from direct sunlight. This species may die if it is exposed to prolonged periods of frost.
Tuberose
Tuberose
The tuberose has a long history of providing fragrance to the world. Used in perfumery since the 17th century, tuberose was a scent worn by French Queen Marie Antoinette, and has continued to be used widely for its distinctive, although extremely strong, scent.
Century plant
Century plant
The century plant, contrary to its name, only lives about 20 -30 years. The name comes from the fact that it only blooms once during its entire life. Near the end of its lifespan, the century plant sprouts a large stalk that can reach 9 m high and unveils yellow flowers. Most parts of the plant are useful; the tough leaf fibers can be woven into mats or ropes, and the moisture-laden contents are used to create various alcohols.
False aloe
False aloe
False aloe (Agave virginica) is a succulent species native to the eastern United States and Mexico. The false aloe attracts sphinx moths, bees, and hummingbirds. Agave virginica is also known as the rattlesnake master or the Virginia agave.
Butterfly agave
Butterfly agave
Butterfly agave (Agave potatorum) is an evergreen perennial succulent that will grow to 61 cm tall. It forms a rosette with small, silvery-blue leaves. When the plant is about 10 years old it will produce a flower stalk that is 3 to 4.5 m tall with greenish-white flowers tinged with red. It thrives in full sun, hot conditions and well-drained soil.
Sisal
Sisal
Sisal (Agave sisalana) is a succulent plant whose yellow flowers bloom along a stalk rising up to 9 m tall and have an unpleasant scent. The flowers, stalk, basal rosette and sap of this plant are edible. Plant in full sun outdoors or place in a bright, sunny location indoors.
Queen Victoria Agave
Queen Victoria Agave
The queen Victoria Agave is a magnificent species of cactus adorned with thick green leaves with distinct white markings arranged in a round, whorl-like structure. This slow-growing plant is monocarpic and will die after producing its fragrant red-purple flowers. Generally, this ornamental plant is great for accent, rock, and display gardens.
Parry's Agave
Parry's Agave
Parry's Agave (Agave parryi) is a flowering succulent native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Parry's Agave is considered slow-growing compared to other succulent species. It is often cultivated for use in desert-style landscaping, planted as ground cover, and kept as a houseplant. Parry's Agave requires full sunlight and minimal water for optimal growth. In the wild, it grows in scrublands, woodlands, and grasslands.
Variegated American Aloe
Variegated American Aloe
A cultivar of agave, variegated American Aloe is unique for its yellow trim and is better-suited for containers than is its parent plant. This plant thrives in areas from gravel gardens to courtyards, but it is best suited to warm, dry climates. It will not tolerate low winter temperatures and may need to be brought inside on cold nights.
Hedgehog agave
Hedgehog agave
Hedgehog agave (Agave stricta) is a flowering agave species that grows in full sunlight and requires very little water. Hedgehog agave can be poisonous to humans and animals. This species is often grown as an ornamental plant, but has to be placed indoors during winter if grown in temperate climates. It has received the UK Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Whale's Tongue Agave
Whale's Tongue Agave
Whale's Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia) is an evergreen succulent that is often cultivated in coastal gardens and succulent gardens for its rosette shape. Whale's Tongue Agave attracts hummingbirds. Caution should be exercised when planting this species near footpaths because its spikes can be dangerous to pets and children. Whale's Tongue Agave grows natively in northeastern Mexico in full sunlight and requires only small amounts of water.
Palmer's century plant
Palmer's century plant
Palmer's century plant (Agave palmeri) is a perennial succulent that is native to Arizona and New Mexico in the United States. It produces a conspicuous flower stalk that is 6 m tall. It can take 5 to 25 years for the plant to bloom, and after flowering once, the plant dies. It blooms in late summer with clusters of pink, fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and bats.
Thread agave
Thread agave
Thread agave (Agave filifera) is a flowering agave species indigenous to Mexico. Thread agave is valued in ornamental outdoor gardens where it can be grown in containers. This species grows optimally with minimal handling by gardeners.
Butterfly Agave
Butterfly Agave
The butterfly Agave is dwarfed compared to the other plants in the Agave genus. Its leaves are arranged in a rosette shape, with short crimson thorns at their margins. The butterfly Agave is highly adaptable and can be planted in open fields, but, in the summer months, it will need proper shade to prevent intense sunlight from scorching its leaves. In the winter, the ambient temperature should be kept above 5 ℃, otherwise it's likely to get frost damage and could even die.
Black-spined agave
Black-spined agave
A slow-growing evergreen succulent, the black-spined agave can take 15 years or more to bloom. Its common name, Black-spined agave, comes from the needle-shaped spines on the leaf tips of this plant. This succulent can be toxic to humans and animals. It is commonly used as an accent plant in garden borders and decorative jars.
Shaw's agave
Shaw's agave
Shaw's agave is a critically endangered species of agave. This plant’s scientific name comes from Henry Shaw, who founded the Missouri Botanical Garden. It is native to California. This ornamental species of agave is slow-growing and not frost-tolerant.
Miniature agave
Miniature agave
Miniature agave (Agave pumila) is a slow-growing agave species of unknown origin. Miniature agave is valued as an ornamental species for its odd shape and is often grown as a houseplant or planted in rock gardens. This species is considered easy to grow and requires well-drained soil, like many similar succulents. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and grows best in the shade in the summer months.
Yant
Yant
Yant (Agave utahensis) is an evergreen perennial succulent native to the southwestern United States. Yant is considered an uncommon plant in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. This species is considered one of the most cold-tolerant agaves.
Simple desert agave
Simple desert agave
Simple desert agave is an extremely heat-tolerant succulent which is often used in horticulture and landscaping. It naturally grows in desert areas of the United States, but it's popular worldwide as an ornamental plant. When the plant produces inflorescence (2 to 6 m tall) it dies off, but it develops offsets before it ends its life cycle.
Spider agave
Spider agave
Spider agave (Agave bracteosa) is a species of succulent that is native to Mexico. It earns its common name from the fact that it possesses a rosette of long leaves that curl under themselves, giving the plant a spidery or squid-like appearance. It is a favorite ornamental plant for rock gardens.
Variegated Caribbean Agave
Variegated Caribbean Agave
Variegated Caribbean Agave varieties can vary in size and how far they spread. They also produce tall flower spikes that attract bees and other pollinators when the plants reach 10 years. The species differ with their leaves, with some being variegated.
Agave guadalajarana
Agave guadalajarana
About 30 to 61 cm in diameter, agave guadalajarana grows as a basal rosette of gray-green leaves with distinctive overlapping marks. The edges of the leaves have big spines, and they each end in a thick brown spine. The flower spike can grow up to 4 m tall. The species is often confused with a similar species, Agave inaequidens.
Century plant 'Mediopicta Alba'
Century plant 'Mediopicta Alba'
Century plant 'Mediopicta Alba' is a cultivar of the Century plant (Agave americana). This cultivar was selected to be significantly shorter than the parent, as well as for its variegated leaves. These leaves feature a white central stripe, after which the cultivar was named—"mediopicta" means "with a colored stripe down the center-line" and "albus" means "white."
Agave Green Steel
Agave Green Steel
Agave Green Steel is a hybrid of Agave Victorae-Reginae and Agave Macroacantha. This plant grows in tight, perfect rosettes with narrow steely green leaves that are uniformly spaced and shoot straight out from the center. The agave Green Steel is slightly toxic to children and pets.
Mckelvey's century plant 'Quadricolor'
Mckelvey's century plant 'Quadricolor'
The mckelvey's century plant 'Quadricolor' has ornate leaves that are far more striking than the plain green of the parent century plant. It is named Mckelvey's century plant 'Quadricolor' for its succulent evergreen leaves which really do have four colors, with dark, light, and pale green centers and yellow edges. This spiky plant is a favorite houseplant and winner of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Agave 'Blue Dart'
Agave 'Blue Dart'
Agave 'Blue Dart' is smaller than many other agave variants at around 30 to 40 cm. It is a cross between manfreda and agave, and exhibits the hardy properties of an agave with the beauty of the manfreda. It is easy to grow and its black-edged, silver-blue leaves make distinctive decorative accents in gardens.
Foxtail agave 'Ray of Light'
Foxtail agave 'Ray of Light'
Foxtail agave 'Ray of Light' offers rosettes of gray-green foliage with distinctive white margins. Cup-shaped flowers bloom in mid-summer in a lovely chartreuse color. This is a cultivar of Agave attenuata. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution, making it a popular choice for gardeners in city environments. It is also suited for coastal climates.
Agave lophantha 'Shaka Zulu'
Agave lophantha 'Shaka Zulu'
Agave lophantha 'Shaka Zulu' is a striking succulent featuring broad, fleshy leaves arranged in a dense rosette pattern. The leaves display a distinctive variegation with sharp contrasting lines running lengthwise. Its resilience in arid conditions is attributed to its ability to store water, while its pointed tips and leaf edges evolved as a deterrent to herbivores. Agave lophantha 'Shaka Zulu' thrives in well-drained soils, embodying the rugged beauty of its natural habitat.
Havard's century plant
Havard's century plant
Havard's century plant is a unique and striking plant that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This plant is known for its impressive size and architectural structure, with long, stiff leaves that grow in a rosette formation. Its leaves have sharp, pointed tips and are adorned with sharp, saw-like edges that can be dangerous if handled carelessly. The plant is also known for its dramatic flowering display, which occurs after many years of growth. When it blooms, a tall, impressive flower stalk emerges from the center of the plant and is covered in small, yellow-green flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
Rancho tambor agave
Rancho tambor agave
Rancho tambor agave is often cultivated in rock gardens or as a landscaping plant in warm climates. In nature, the succulent depends on nectar-loving bats for seed production. The large plant only flowers once in its lifetime, right before it dies.
Filigree Sierra Mixteca Agave
Filigree Sierra Mixteca Agave
The striking broad, short, and grayish to greenish leaves of the filigree Sierra Mixteca Agave make it very popular with gardeners. Its rosettes have marginal spines that are gray-white or golden yellow in appearance. It has strong affinities with the Agave titanota that has distinctive gray leaves as well, while others speculate that it’s a hybrid of Agave horrida.
Northern Sharkskin Agave
Northern Sharkskin Agave
The northern Sharkskin Agave is a hybrid of Agave Ferdinand-regis and Agave scabra grown at California's Ruth Bancroft Garden. This plant has broad, blue-gray leaves with smooth black edges and dark-tipped spines with scratchy, sandpaper-like leaves that feel like sharkskin. It rarely blossoms, but when it does, the blooms attract hummingbirds.
Agave salmiana
Agave salmiana
Agave salmiana is a robust succulent with large, fleshy leaves forming a dense rosette. The gray-green leaves, often edged with sharp spines, serve as water reservoirs, fitting agave salmiana's arid native habitats. It produces a tall, branched flower stalk bearing yellow flowers, which contrast sharply with the foliage, doubling as a beacon for pollinators.
Agave horrida
Agave horrida
Agave horrida is a robust succulent with a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves, each bordered with imposing spines that suggest a natural defense mechanism. The waxy, grey-green foliage captures the arid landscape's scarce moisture, while the plant's deep root system helps it thrive in rocky, inhospitable soils. During its rare flowering, agave horrida produces impressive spikes that tower dramatically above its formidable leaf cluster.
Tequila agave
Tequila agave
Tequila agave is native to Jalisco, Mexico and is essential for the production of tequila. It takes around 8-12 years for the plant to mature and produce its sweet sap, or piña. The tall flowering stalk can reach up to 6 meters tall and produces a beautiful yellow bloom, attracting pollinating bats.
'Blue Glow' Agave
'Blue Glow' Agave
Agave 'Blue Glow'' is an ornamental 'Blue Glow' Agave variant that takes its name from its gray-blue leaves. This perennial succulent has been bred for color and for its tendency to grow in a single ‘rosette’ of about 30 cm tall and 61 cm wide. Gardeners can grow it either outdoors in a rock garden or indoors in a pot. It flowers only once in its long lifetime, and dies after doing so.
Quasimoto Agave
Quasimoto Agave
The quasimoto Agave is one of the smaller varieties of Agave with rosettes that can grow up to 46 cm. It’s sought after by gardeners because of its colorful, attractive, and yellow-green leaves. This can be an accent piece in homes because it provides beautiful colors all year round. It's also suitable for rockeries and other landscapes.
Agave desmetiana 'Variegata'
Agave desmetiana 'Variegata'
Agave desmetiana 'Variegata' is quick-growing, spineless, and soft-leaved, marking it an outlier among spiny and slow-growing agave. It also has yellow variegation along its bright green leaves, likely leading to its common name. Although it rarely flowers, the agave desmetiana 'Variegata' is growing quickly and will produce many times, making it a useful accent cultivar in containers, beds, and borders.
Agave 'Blue Flame'
Agave 'Blue Flame'
Agave 'Blue Flame' is a hybrid between the A. shawii and A. attenuata agave plants. Since the 1960s it has been popular for its blue-green leaves and its impressive height of 91 to 152 cm. It is hardy in many different climates, and the elegant, flame-shaped leaves are enjoyed in decorative gardens and pots.
Weber's century plant 'Arizona Star'
Weber's century plant 'Arizona Star'
Weber's century plant 'Arizona Star' puts on a show with its huge, fleshy, rosette-forming foliage. The variegation in this cultivar's leaves and the way it explodes outward are the features that make weber's century plant 'Arizona Star' unique from its parent plant, Agave weberi. It's likely that the name "Arizona Star" relates to this plant's growing tendency, since it spreads out like a star.
Agave fatal attraction
Agave fatal attraction
Agave fatal attraction is a unique succulent that makes a bold statement in any garden. Its rosette of wide, blue-green leaves is dotted with small, white spots, giving it a distinctive appearance. The plant can take up to 10 years to bloom, producing a tall, impressive flower spike that attracts pollinators. Native to Mexico, this agave is known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in hot, dry climates.
Century plant 'Mediopicta'
Century plant 'Mediopicta'
Century plant 'Mediopicta' is a cultivar of the Century plant (Agave americana). The cultivar was selected to be significantly shorter than the parent plant. It's also noted for its variegated leaves with a cream central stripe, from which it gets its name ("mediopicta" means "with a coloured stripe down the centre-line").
Queen of white thread-leaf agave
Queen of white thread-leaf agave
Queen of white thread-leaf agave are ornamental plants that require very little water and survive well in hot, dry climates. The leaves of the plants form small rosettes that produce long stalks of flowers. They are slow-growing plants that can take years to bloom but die as soon as blooming occurs. However, most queen of white thread-leaf agave produce sucker plants that grow along the base of the host plant and these new plants will continue to grow and survive.
Manfreda undulata 'Chocolate Chip'
Manfreda undulata 'Chocolate Chip'
Manfreda undulata 'Chocolate Chip' looks like a little rosette with ruffled leaves. The dark green foliage is speckled with appealing chocolate brown dots that resemble chocolate chips, hence its name. This plant is sometimes known as a 'false agave' because, despite its appearance, its leaves are softer, and it does not die after flowering.
Agave salmiana var. ferox
Agave salmiana var. ferox
Agave salmiana var. ferox are ornamental plants that require very little water and survive well in hot, dry climates. The leaves of the plants form small rosettes that produce long stalks of flowers. They are slow-growing plants that can take years to bloom but die as soon as blooming occurs. However, most agave salmiana var. ferox produce sucker plants that grow along the base of the host plant and these new plants will continue to grow and survive.
Agave desmettiana 'Joe Hoak'
Agave desmettiana 'Joe Hoak'
Agave desmettiana 'Joe Hoak' is an Agave desmettiana cultivar. This species has been highly cultivated for centuries, and no native populations exist, making it difficult to compare this cultivar with the original species. However, this cultivar is shorter than other varieties, growing only to about 61 cm instead of 91 to 152 cm. It is also distinguished for its foliage, which is gray-green with cream striations.
Small flower century plant
Small flower century plant
Its easy care makes small flower century plant a popular houseplant. It is also grown in tropical rock gardens. The long, shedding fibers from the leaves add garden interest, along with the tall summer flower spike that often requires additional support.
Masparillo agave
Masparillo agave
Masparillo agave stands out with its rosette of thick, fleshy green leaves marked by striking white impressions as if perfectly painted by nature. These indentations are the plant’s unique adaptation to collect dew in its arid homeland, channeling moisture towards the base, thus sustaining itself during dry spells.
Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Raijin Shiro Nakafu'
Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Raijin Shiro Nakafu'
Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Raijin Shiro Nakafu' is a dwarf succulent boasting a rosette assembly of thick, triangular leaves with a stunning bluish-grey tone. The variegated foliage features creamy-white to pale yellow stripes along the margins and a characteristic broad creamy band in the middle. These slow-growing plants are adapted to arid conditions, storing water in their fleshy leaves to endure prolonged dry spells.
Gypsum century plant
Gypsum century plant
If you are patient, gypsum century plant will reward you with a magnificent golden flower spike nearly 2 m high. Then it will probably die but will leave pups (baby plants) behind. The wavy gray leaves of this Mexican native are lined with soft spikes, which can be very sharp.
Agave 'Snow Glow'
Agave 'Snow Glow'
The compact agave 'Snow Glow' has a blue-green color in the inner part of the leaves, while the margins are creamy white. Red spines are present at the edges, and it's a winter-hardy plant suitable for containers. This is a 2005 Kelly Griffin hybrid made with *Agave attenuata* and *Agave oahu*.
Agave nickelsiae
Agave nickelsiae
Agave nickelsiae is characterized by its rosette of stiff, thick leaves, which have a distinct blue-green hue and gracefully cup inward, showcasing the survival adaptations of a plant native to arid regions. The leaf margins are lined with formidable teeth, contrasting with the otherwise smooth surface, a testament to the evolutionary balance between water retention and deterrence of herbivores. In bloom, agave nickelsiae exhibits a striking flower spike, hinting at its genetic kinship with other dramatic agave species.
Agave potatorum
Agave potatorum
Agave potatorum is a rare, miniature variety of agave that is coveted by many collectors. It makes a great decorative potted plant since it stays quite small. It also produces new young plants, or pups, from the middle of the plant rather than the surrounding soil.
Agave geminiflora
Agave geminiflora
Agave geminiflora has a shape bound to remind Australians of their native grass tree. Agave geminiflora only flowers once at the end of its 10-year lifespan, when it throws up a spike that can be up to 4 m tall. The yellow flowers grow in pairs along the spike, hence the name 'geminiflora,' meaning 'twin flower' in Latin.
Agave 'Shaka Zulu'
Agave 'Shaka Zulu'
Agave 'Shaka Zulu' is an ornamental hybrid agave plant also known as Agave 'Blue Glow.' It takes its name from one of the Zulu clan's great military strategists. It was bred for color and for its tendency to grow in a single ‘rosette’ of about 30 cm tall and 61 cm wide. Gardeners can grow it both outdoors and indoors in pots.
Cream spike 'Cream Spike'
Cream spike 'Cream Spike'
The cream spike 'Cream Spike' is named for its cream-colored edges. This small, compact cultivar from the cream spike agave succulent has olive green leaves edged in cream. No cultivars of this plant have flowered, but its creamy edges and blue-green leaves make it an appreciated container plant.
Spineless jade agave
Spineless jade agave
Spineless jade agave is similar in appearance to the octopus agave. The two plants have dark green foliage with curved tips, but spineless jade agave can also have variegated leaves. The plants only flower once in their lifetimes in the spring.
Butterfly agave 'Kissho Kan'
Butterfly agave 'Kissho Kan'
Butterfly agave 'Kissho Kan' is a compact cultivar of Butterfly agave. Gardeners choose it as it does well in a container. Its coloration is notable for the blue-green leaves that are edged in cream and outfitted with brown spikes on the outside of each thick leaf. Kissho Kan translates to "happy crown," giving it a name that evokes its shape.
Whale's tongue agave 'Frosty Blue'
Whale's tongue agave 'Frosty Blue'
Whale's tongue agave 'Frosty Blue' has bluish succulent leaf blades that appear to have a layer of white frost covering them. It is quite a contrast when planted beside the darker blue leaves of typical agaves, like its parent Whale's tongue agave. It has great ornamental appeal and year-round interest for gardeners.
Agave striata
Agave striata
Commonly known as agave striata, Agave striata is a compact succulent with narrow, gray-green leaves lined with tiny soft spines. It can be used in small gardens and rockeries, and its strong fibers have been traditionally used to make rope and textiles. Despite being a vital food source for wildlife, the plant is mildly toxic to humans if ingested.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Agaves
Agave
Agaves are ornamental plants that require very little water and survive well in hot, dry climates. The leaves of the plants form small rosettes that produce long stalks of flowers. They are slow-growing plants that can take years to bloom but die as soon as blooming occurs. However, most agaves produce sucker plants that grow along the base of the host plant and these new plants will continue to grow and survive.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Agaves
Feedback
Attributes of Agaves
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
1.5 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
5 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Agaves
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Monocotyledons Order
Asparagus and allies Family
Asparagus Genus
Agaves Distribution of Agaves
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Distribution Map of Agaves
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Agaves
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The agaves genus, a hardy and drought-tolerant group of plants, requires minimal care and thrives best in full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate temperatures. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, so it's key to provide less water in a well-draining potting mix. Common challenges include pests such as agave snout weevil, and susceptibility to diseases like agaves necrotic spot virus. Seasonally, the plant demands more water in hot, dry climates and less during cooler winters. It's crucial to guard against frost in winter months.
How to Water Agaves?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Agaves?
How to Propagate Agaves?
How to Plant Agaves?
Exploring the Agaves Plants
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8 most common species：
Foxtail agave
Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is an agave species native to the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Foxtail agave is a popular ornamental species in gardens in subtropical climates. This species grows best in loamy soil protected from direct sunlight. This species may die if it is exposed to prolonged periods of frost.
Tuberose
The tuberose has a long history of providing fragrance to the world. Used in perfumery since the 17th century, tuberose was a scent worn by French Queen Marie Antoinette, and has continued to be used widely for its distinctive, although extremely strong, scent.
Century plant
The century plant, contrary to its name, only lives about 20 -30 years. The name comes from the fact that it only blooms once during its entire life. Near the end of its lifespan, the century plant sprouts a large stalk that can reach 9 m high and unveils yellow flowers. Most parts of the plant are useful; the tough leaf fibers can be woven into mats or ropes, and the moisture-laden contents are used to create various alcohols.
False aloe
False aloe (Agave virginica) is a succulent species native to the eastern United States and Mexico. The false aloe attracts sphinx moths, bees, and hummingbirds. Agave virginica is also known as the rattlesnake master or the Virginia agave.
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All Species of Agaves
Foxtail agave
Tuberose
Century plant
False aloe
Butterfly agave
Sisal
Queen Victoria Agave
Parry's Agave
Variegated American Aloe
Hedgehog agave
Whale's Tongue Agave
Palmer's century plant
Thread agave
Butterfly Agave
Black-spined agave
Shaw's agave
Miniature agave
Yant
Simple desert agave
Spider agave
Variegated Caribbean Agave
Agave guadalajarana
Century plant 'Mediopicta Alba'
Agave Green Steel
Mckelvey's century plant 'Quadricolor'
Agave 'Blue Dart'
Foxtail agave 'Ray of Light'
Agave lophantha 'Shaka Zulu'
Havard's century plant
Rancho tambor agave
Filigree Sierra Mixteca Agave
Northern Sharkskin Agave
Agave salmiana
Agave horrida
Tequila agave
'Blue Glow' Agave
Quasimoto Agave
Agave desmetiana 'Variegata'
Agave 'Blue Flame'
Weber's century plant 'Arizona Star'
Agave fatal attraction
Century plant 'Mediopicta'
Queen of white thread-leaf agave
Manfreda undulata 'Chocolate Chip'
Agave salmiana var. ferox
Agave desmettiana 'Joe Hoak'
Small flower century plant
Masparillo agave
Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Raijin Shiro Nakafu'
Gypsum century plant
Agave 'Snow Glow'
Agave nickelsiae
Agave potatorum
Agave geminiflora
Agave 'Shaka Zulu'
Cream spike 'Cream Spike'
Spineless jade agave
Butterfly agave 'Kissho Kan'
Whale's tongue agave 'Frosty Blue'
Agave striata
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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