Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana

Natural range and habitat of Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana

Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana occurs naturally from southern New Mexico and western Texas into Coahuila in northern Mexico. It grows in exposed rocky or gravelly ground across dry grassland, desert scrub and upland slopes.

The older name Agave neomexicana remains common in horticulture. Its continental upland range includes cold winters, intense sun and long dry periods.

Caring for Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana in a pot

• Clump and repotting: Offsets can form a wide clump. Increase pot size when roots or pups crowd the container, using a broad, stable pot.
• Temperature: Maintain roughly 10–30 °C. This subspecies handles cool conditions and light frost well when the root zone is dry. Protect potted roots from prolonged freezing and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Container-grown plants should be kept clear of extended periods below about −5 °C.
• Light: Give it full, bright light with direct sun. Give the plant time to adjust when moving from softer light into stronger sun. Bright light helps the rosettes stay low and firm.
• Water: Water thoroughly once the mix is dry throughout, then extend the dry interval during cool conditions.
• Potting mix: Use a gritty, fast-draining succulent mix with plenty of pumice, lava or grit, especially when the clump is kept cool.
• Airflow: Normal indoor humidity is suitable. Leave enough space between rosettes for them to dry after watering.
• Feeding: Feed lightly with a low-nitrogen fertiliser while new leaves and offsets are growing.
• Propagation: Separate a pup once it has its own roots, or grow the subspecies from seed.

Keeping Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana healthy

• Greasy streaks, scars or distorted new leaves: Agave mites can affect Agave parryi and feed deep in the centre. Isolate the plant, inspect the newest growth and use a mite-control product labelled for ornamental plants. Repeat treatment at the interval stated on the label.
• Outer leaves soften during cold, wet weather: The roots and crown can be damaged when low temperatures combine with wet mix. Cut soft tissue back to firm, healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rotten material, replace the wet mix with fresh gritty substrate and keep the plant drier while conditions remain cold.
• Brown shell-like bumps or sticky residue collect in the clump: Scale insects may be present. Isolate the plant and use a labelled scale treatment, checking between the offset rosettes as well as the main plant. Repeat treatment at the interval stated on the label.
• Dry pale marks appear after a move into full sun: Indoor-grown leaves may scorch after a rapid change in light. Reduce the strongest exposure and increase direct sun gradually.

Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs, and handle the sharp leaves carefully.
• Its sap and tissues contain irritating saponins and oxalates. Rigid leaf tips and toothed margins can also scratch or puncture skin, eyes, mouths or paws.
• Exposure may cause mouth pain, drooling, vomiting, skin irritation or puncture wounds. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms or an injury develop.

Agave parryi: name and meaning

Agave comes from the Greek agauos, meaning noble, illustrious or admirable. The epithet parryi honours the British-American botanist Charles Christopher Parry.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Agave in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 323.

Georg Engelmann first described Agave parryi in 1875 in Transactions of the Academy of Science of St. Louis, volume 3, page 311.