Introducing the Agave desmettiana, also known as smooth agave because of the smooth texture of its leaves. It has several other common names such as the dwarf century plant, smooth century plant, and spineless jade agave. 

Hailing from Mexico, its bright green leaves form an incredible rosette that can grow up to a whopping 4 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height.

The Agave desmettiana has small teeth or sharp reddish-brown spines along the edges, adding an eye-catching element to any garden or landscape.

As this century agave matures, it forms clumps and spreads throughout the area in which it grows.

Each rosette of Agave desmettiana will only bloom once in the spring or early summer, typically between the ages of 10 and 15 years.

With side branches that bear terminal clusters of pale yellow flowers, the flowering stalk rises to a height of eight feet from the center of a rosette. After a century plant blooms the rosette dies, but new rosettes can be easily propagated by offsets or suckers from the mother plant base. 

You may also like Variegated Smooth Agave known as Agave desmetiana variegata which is a stunning succulent with striking variegated leaves that add a pop of color to any garden or landscape. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it a perfect choice for beginners or busy gardeners.

Agave desmettiana propagation can be done through the division of offsets or by collecting and planting seeds. Offsets are small plantlets that grow around the base of the mother plant and can be carefully separated and replanted in their own pots. It is important to ensure that the new plants have well-draining soil and receive plenty of sunlight to encourage healthy growth. 

Watering Needs 

Like all succulents, Agave desmettiana has unique watering needs that differ from those of other types of agave plants. Overwatering is a common problem with Agave desmettiana, as it can lead to root rot and other issues. To prevent this, it's important to water these century plants sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry.

In the spring and summer, during the active growing season, you may need to water your Agave desmettiana more frequently. On the other hand, in the fall and winter, during the dormant season in the fall and winter, you can reduce watering to once every few weeks. 

When watering your Agave desmettiana, it's important to water the soil directly and avoid getting water on the leaves or stems. This can cause the agave plant to rot or develop fungal infections. Be sure to discard any excess water that has been collected in the saucer.

With proper watering, your smooth agave can thrive and add beauty to your home or garden. 

Light Requirements 

If you are growing the smooth agave indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use grow lights to provide it with the necessary light.

In addition to sunlight, Agave desmettiana also benefits from good air circulation. This helps to prevent the buildup of moisture around the century plant, which can lead to fungal infections and other issues. If you are growing it indoors, be sure to open windows or use a fan to keep the air moving around the plant.  

For outdoor cultivation, the smooth Agave desmettiana requires a lot of sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day.  Remember, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, while too little light can cause the agave plant to become leggy and weak. Ideally, desmettiana agave should be placed in a spot that receives partial to full sun for most of the day.  

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The smooth Agave plants favor very airy, sandy, well-drained soil. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulents potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizing your agave plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. Succulents prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

When growing indoors, Agave desmettiana prefers temperatures between 65°F to 75°F and is ideal for the plant's growth and health. Additionally, indoor humidity levels should be moderate, around 40% to 50%, to mimic its natural habitat conditions.

For outdoor cultivation, this plant typically thrives in zones 9 to 11, where temperatures stay above freezing. Agave desmettiana should ideally be around 30% to 50% to prevent issues like fungal diseases.

Remember, it is important to protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures, as prolonged exposure to cold can damage or kill your agave plant. If you live in a colder climate, consider growing your Agave desmettiana as a container plant that can be brought indoors during the winter months. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Agave desmettiana (Smooth Agave) is a stunning succulent plant known for its smooth, blue-green leaves and architectural form. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or adding a touch of desert beauty to any garden. It is most well-known for its attractive, dark blue-green leaves, but it also has infrequent but spectacular flowering spikes that appear at the end of each plant's life cycle. To care for this plant, ensure it receives bright, indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity levels.  With its striking appearance and specific care needs, Agave desmettiana is a captivating choice for plant enthusiasts or buyers looking for a distinctive addition to their collection.