Agave macroacantha - Care and Information
Agave macroacantha features a striking symmetrical rosette with narrow, blue-gray leaves and dark terminal spines. Its compact, structured growth makes it a standout choice for plant collections, while its slow-growing nature ensures longevity. Over time, it produces offsets, forming dense clusters that enhance its visual appeal.
Key Characteristics and Advantages
- Distinctive Appearance: Narrow, bluish-gray leaves with bold dark spines.
- Compact Growth: Neat rosette ideal for containers.
- Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care.
- Longevity: Thrives for decades.
- Pupping Habit: Produces offsets for propagation.
- Adaptability: Tolerates high temperatures and poor soil.
Essential Facts
- Native Habitat: Originates from arid regions of Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico.
- Growth Pattern: Compact rosette, reaching 30-50 cm in height and width.
- Toxicity: Mildly toxic sap can irritate skin, and spines may cause injury.
- Lifespan and Flowering: Monocarpic—blooms once after years, producing a tall flower spike before dying, but offsets ensure continuity.
Caring for Agave macroacantha
- Placement: Prefers a bright, sunny spot, ideally south- or west-facing.
- Light: Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry completely before watering.
- Humidity: Thrives in dry air.
- Temperature: Prefers 15°C - 30°C protect from frost.
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy, or rocky soil (cactus/succulent mix).
- Repotting: Every 3-4 years or when root-bound use a pot with drainage holes.
- Fertilizing: Feed with diluted cactus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growth.
- Propagation: Easily propagated through offsets.
- Pruning: Minimal—remove dead leaves.
- Pest Resistance: Generally pest-resistant but may attract mealybugs.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering—use well-draining soil.
- Pests: Mealybugs, scale, spider mites—treat with neem oil, or use beneficial insects.
- Leaf Browning: Excessive watering or poor drainage—adjust watering schedule.
- Etiolation: Insufficient light—move to a brighter location.
- Fungal Issues: Overly humid conditions—increase airflow.
- Spine Injuries: Wear gloves when handling.
Additional Considerations
Agaves thrive in harsh environments, so mimicking their native conditions—fast-draining soil and minimal water—is key. If grown outdoors, protect from heavy rainfall.
Name Origins
- Genus:Agave - From Greek “agavos,” meaning noble or admirable.
- Species:macroacantha - Latin for “large-spined..
- Described by: Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini (1832).
FAQs
- How often should I water Agave macroacantha? Only when soil is completely dry.
- Can it be grown indoors? Yes, with ample sunlight and well-draining soil.
- Why are leaf tips browning? Likely due to overwatering or excessive humidity.
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Add Agave macroacantha to your collection for a bold, low-maintenance statement plant!
Agave macroacantha
€249.00Price
VAT Included
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Agave macroacantha is approximately 40 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 27 cm pot.
