Welcome to the fascinating world of succulents! If you're looking for a striking and unique addition to your century plant collection, look no further than the Agave desmettiana, also known as smooth agave because of the smooth texture of its leaves. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek word 'agavos' and is also known 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 8 feet in diameter and 6 feet in height! Its leaves are lined with 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 spread throughout the area in which they grow. 

Smooth agave and variegated smooth agave (Agave desmettiana variegata) differ in their leaf coloration, with smooth having solid green leaves and variegated having yellow and white stripes, making them popular ornamental plants. 

Each rosette will only bloom once in the spring or early summer, typically between the ages of 10 and 15 years. After a century plant blooms with bright yellow flowers on the flowering stalk, and the rosette dies, but new rosettes can be easily propagated by offsets or suckers from the mother plant base.

This agave plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The sap of this agave plant can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people, so it's important to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling this agave century plant. 

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. During the active growing season in the spring and summer, you may need to water your Agave desmettiana more frequently, but 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 

Agave desmettiana requires a lot of sunlight to grow, but it is important to provide it with the right amount of light. 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. 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.  

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The 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 

Agave desmettiana is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. However, 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. 

Agave desmetiana is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in hot and dry conditions. It prefers low to moderate humidity levels and can tolerate temperatures up to 100°F. However, it is important to protect it from intense sunlight and high heat, as this can cause the leaves to burn. If you are growing the agave plant outdoors, consider providing it with some shade during the hottest part of the day. If you are growing the plant indoors, be sure to place it in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight but is not too close to a heat source. 

With the help of Agave desmettiana - Smooth agave, you'll start to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty! 

Bloom Season	Summer
Botanical Name	Agave desmettiana
Common Name	Smooth agave, dwarf century plant, spineless jade plant, smooth century plant
Dormancy	Winter
Family	Asparagaceae
Flower Color	Bright yellow
Genus	Agave
Growth Habit	Rosette
Growth Rate	Fast
Hardiness Zone	9, 10, 11
Mature Size	2 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide
Native Area	Mexico, Central America
Plant Type	Perennial succulent
Propagation	By offsets, cuttings
Resistance	Drought tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant
Soil PH	6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type	specialized succulents potting mix
Special Features	Thick, fleshy leaves
Sun Exposure	Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity	Toxic for humans, toxic for pets (Keep away from children)
Watering Needs	Low