Care of the succulent plant Agave attenuata or Foxtail agave |
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The Agave genus, a subfamily of the Agavoideae, comprises some 300 species of succulent plants native to Mexico, Central America and the Southwest of the USA. Some species are: Agave attenuata, Agave americana, Agave stricta, Agave potatorum, Agave victoria-reginae, Agave striata, Agave ferox, Agave filifera, Agave macroacantha, Agave sisalana, Agave bracteosa, Agave ferdinandi-regis, Agave impressa, Agave shawii, Agave parrasana, Agave parryi, Agave angustifolia, Agave guadalajarana, Agave vilmoriniana, Agave univittata, Agave lechuguilla, Agave datylio. Common names: Lion's tail, Swan's neck, Foxtail agave. This species is native to Jalisco, Mexico. They are succulent plants with short trunks that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height when they do not flower. The attractive teal or lime green leaves are spineless. These plants die after flowering, which can take many years to produce, although they produce suckers at the base. The flower stems, covered in greenish-yellow flowers, are up to 3 meters (9.84 feet) tall. They are low maintenance plants that are used in pots, rockeries, borders, as isolated specimens or to cover dry slopes. The Agave attenuata prefers full sun exposure but can be grown in half shade. They don't like the cold although they can tolerate some light frost. They need normal well-drained garden soil with coarse sand although they can grow in poor, dry soil. Irrigation will be moderate (wait until the soil has dried) all year round and in winter it will be removed. They appreciate a fertilization with compost in summer and another with mineral fertilizer for cacti in spring. They do not need pruning. They are resistant to pests but sensitive to excess irrigation. Propagation is made from seeds sown in spring or from the shoots that the plant itself produces. |
Images of the succulent plant Agave attenuata or Foxtail agave |
 Agave attenuata  Agave attenuata  Agave attenuata  Agave attenuata  Agave attenuata  Agave attenuata |