Agave ferdinandi-regis or King of the Agaves

Care of the succulent plant Agave ferdinandi-regis or King of the Agaves

The genus Agave, family Asparagaceae, includes about 350 species of succulent plants native to Mexico, the Southwest of the United States and Central America. Some species are: Agave ferdinandi-regis, Agave datylio, 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: King of the Agaves, Pinguino, King Ferdinand Agave, King agave. This species is native to Coahuila, Mexico.

They are slow-growing succulent plants that form compact rosettes that reach 60 cm (1.9 feet) in height and width. The stiff dark green or blue-green leaves have white lines and dark brown margins; They have a spine at the apex. After 20 years they can produce a long flower stem 4 meters (13 feet) high with reddish flowers. They bloom in summer and the mother plant dies.

They are used in flowerbeds, borders, rockeries, in succulent plant gardens and in pots for patios and terraces. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

The Agave ferdinandi-regis needs full sun or semi-shade exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist frost down to -10 ºC (14 ºF) if the soil is completely dry.

They grow in any well-drained soil whether it is sandy, rocky or stony.

These very drought-resistant plants need moderate watering until the soil has completely dried out. In winter do not water.

They do not need fertilizer or pruning.

They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture, especially in winter.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by separation of suckers also in spring.