Agave attenuata - sweet agave (12 cm pot)

Genus of over 200 species of perennials and monocarpic succulents forming rosettes, from the desert and mountainous regions of North, Central and South America. Agave attenuata is a succulent perennial with a trunk that can reach a height of 1.5 m, often branched at the base. The branches are covered with rosettes of ovate leaves, light yellowish green or grey green, 50-70 cm long, soft and without marginal and terminal spines. After 15-20 years the rosette produces a characteristic curved inflorescence, up to 2-3 m long, covered at the end by numerous greenish white flowers 6 cm long. After flowering the rosette dies, but the numerous lateral branches remain viable.

Pedoclimatic requirements

Grow in slightly acidic, moderately fertile and well-drained soil, in full sun. Agave attenuata is not rustic and cannot tolerate temperatures below 6/8°c. During the dry season it tolerates drought, although it benefits from regular irrigation by waiting for the soil to dry between one irrigation and the next.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Agave attenuata

Family: Agavaceae