Origin
The genus Agave belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is found in North America, Central America, and South America. It is sometimes called the century plant because it only blooms once in its life, and only after many years or decades. In Mexico, it is used as a cultivated plant, for example, for the production of tequila and agave syrup.
Appearance
The agave has sword-shaped leaves with a green or bluish color, which can grow up to 150 cm long. Agaves bloom very rarely, as they only do so once in their life and die after flowering. Before that, there are usually many offshoots through which the mother plant can be propagated. When it blooms, most species form yellow single flowers. Pollination of their flowers, as with many large columnar cacti, is mainly carried out by bat species that feed on their nectar.
Care
Location: Agaves need a bright, sunny and warm location. A place by a south-facing window is ideal.
Substrate: Agaves do not tolerate waterlogging, so the substrate should be loose and permeable. The water must be able to drain well and must not remain in the pot. Therefore, cactus and succulent soil mixed with mineral components such as pumice, gravel or vermiculite is well suited.
Watering: Agaves don't need much water and, like most succulents, should be watered less rather than more. It's also important to only water when the substrate is completely dry.
Fertilizer: The agave should be fertilized once a month with cactus or succulent fertilizer. However, it only needs fertilizer during its growing season in summer. It should not be fertilized at all during its dormant period in the colder months.
Summer/Winter: In summer, the agave can be moved outdoors after gradually acclimating it to the sun to prevent sunburn. However, in winter it should be placed back indoors because it is not a hardy succulent. Even indoors, the agave needs a bright location with plenty of light. The temperature should be between 10°C and 15°C. During this time, fertilizing should be stopped and watering should be infrequent.
Popular species
Agave victoriae-reginae: This rosette-shaped succulent is also known by its German name, Königs-Agave (King's Agave). Its leaves are green with white stripes and it can reach a height of up to 70 cm.
Agave filifera: This succulent is also known by its German name, thread agave. It has a rosette-shaped growth form, its leaves are green, and it can reach a height of up to 40 cm.
Note: Agaves, and especially their sap, are slightly poisonous; we cannot guarantee their compatibility with animals.
