The Blue Agave americana is also known as American Aloe and originates in Mexico. Despite the name 'American Aloe', it does not belong to the family of aloe! The Century Plant belongs to the family of Agavaceae and the flower stalks may reach a height of 8m.
Growth Rate
Agave americana is a very attractive garden plant but it does take about 6 to 8 years to mature and reach its maximum height. Hence, making it a slow grower.
Flowering
When the plant flowers from March to June, you will have the pleasure of seeing greenish-yellow colored flowers blooming.
Watering and Feeding
Agave americana requires very little watering. This agave stores water in its leaves so that it can survive during droughts or famine. When the plant is actively growing, feed it with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Soil
Slightly acidic soil is a must. If you are in a climate where acidic soil is not a possibility, arrange for gritty soil. Make the soil well drained even before you plant the succulent.
Hardiness
The plant is hardy to about -9° C to -12° C and has a hardiness zone of 8 to 11. American Aloe can survive low temperatures but it cannot survive frost.
Light
No matter what you do or how busy you are, be sure to place Agave americana in full sunlight!
Propagation
While propagation takes place through the seeing method, propagating Agave americana can be a bit of a challenge. The seeding method will take around 3 months.
Fun Fact: Agave americana is the only plant out of the family that is known to produce more than 20 gallons of nectar every week!
| Bloom Season | Late spring to summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Agave americana |
| Common Name | American Aloe |
| Common Name | American Aloe, American Agave, Century plant |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Flower Color | Greenish yellow |
| Growth Habit | Rosette |
| Mature Size | 3 to 6 feet |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Resistance | 18°f |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
The Blue Agave americana is also known as American Aloe and originates in Mexico. Despite the name 'American Aloe', it does not belong to the family of aloe! The Century Plant belongs to the family of Agavaceae and the flower stalks may reach a height of 8m.
Growth Rate
Agave americana is a very attractive garden plant but it does take about 6 to 8 years to mature and reach its maximum height. Hence, making it a slow grower.
Flowering
When the plant flowers from March to June, you will have the pleasure of seeing greenish-yellow colored flowers blooming.
Watering and Feeding
Agave americana requires very little watering. This agave stores water in its leaves so that it can survive during droughts or famine. When the plant is actively growing, feed it with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Soil
Slightly acidic soil is a must. If you are in a climate where acidic soil is not a possibility, arrange for gritty soil. Make the soil well drained even before you plant the succulent.
Hardiness
The plant is hardy to about -9° C to -12° C and has a hardiness zone of 8 to 11. American Aloe can survive low temperatures but it cannot survive frost.
Light
No matter what you do or how busy you are, be sure to place Agave americana in full sunlight!
Propagation
While propagation takes place through the seeing method, propagating Agave americana can be a bit of a challenge. The seeding method will take around 3 months.
Fun Fact: Agave americana is the only plant out of the family that is known to produce more than 20 gallons of nectar every week!
| Bloom Season | Late spring to summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Agave americana |
| Common Name | American Aloe |
| Common Name | American Aloe, American Agave, Century plant |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Flower Color | Greenish yellow |
| Growth Habit | Rosette |
| Mature Size | 3 to 6 feet |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Resistance | 18°f |