Agave attenuata - sweet agave (10 cm pot)

Genus of over 200 species of rosette-forming monocarpic perennials and succulents of desert and mountainous regions of North, Central, and South America. Agave attenuata is a perennial succulent 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 aster-grey green, 50-70 cm long, soft and without marginal and terminal thorns. After 15-20 years the rosette produces a characteristic curved inflorescence, up to 2-5/3 m long, covered at the end with numerous greenish white flowers 6 cm long. After flowering the rosette dies, but the numerous lateral branches remain viable.

Pedoclimatic needs

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 earth to dry between one irrigation and another.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Agave attenuata

Family: Agavaceae