Care of the succulent plant Agave datylio or Datilillo |
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The genus Agave, family Asparagaceae, comprises about 350 species of succulent plants native to Mexico, the Southwest of the United States and Central America. Some species are: Agave datylio, Agave ferdinandi-regis, Agave horrida, Agave vilmoriniana, Agave angustifolia, Agave univittata, Agave lechuguilla, Agave stricta, Agave sisalana, Agave shawii, Agave potatorum, Agave parryi, Agave parrasana, Agave macroacantha, Agave filifera, Agave bracteosa, Agave attenuata, Agave americana, Agave victoria-reginae, Agave guadalajarana, Agave striata, Agave impressa, Agave ferox. Common names: Agave datylio, Datilillo, La Paz upright agave, Century Plant. This species is native to the Baja California peninsula. They are slow-growing succulent plants with rosette leaves that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in diameter. The long, lanceolate leaves are light green in color and have a stiff spine at the tip. The flowers are greenish yellow. The plant dies after flowering but before it produces lateral suckers. They are used in groups on dry, sunny slopes, as isolated specimens, in rockeries, and in pots for patios and terraces. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Agave datylio prefers full sun exposure but will also grow in light shade (especially young plants). They resist occasional frosts down to -3 ºC (26.6 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of normal garden soil and volcanic rock or gravel in equal parts. They are very drought-resistant plants that need very moderate watering, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. They do not need fertilizer or pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture. They are propagated by separating the suckers (beware of the thorns) in spring or summer and from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Agave datylio or Datilillo |
 Agave datylio  Agave datylio  Agave datylio  Agave datylio |