Care of the succulent plant Agave horrida or Wicked agave |
The genus Agave (Asparagaceae family) comprises about 350 species of succulent plants native to Mexico, the Southwest of the United States, and Central America. Some species are: Agave horrida, Agave vilmoriniana, Agave angustifolia, Agave univittata, Agave lechuguilla, Agave stricta, Agave sisalana, Agave shawii, Agave potatorum, Agave parryi, Agave parrasana, Agave macroacantha, Agave filifera, Agave bracteosa, Agave attenuata, Agave americana, Agave victoria-reginae, Agave guadalajarana, Agave striata, Agave impressa, Agave ferox, Agave deserti, Agave chiapensis, Agave ferdinandi-regis, Agave datylio. Common names: Horrid Hardy Century Plant, Wicked agave. This species is native to central Mexico. They are succulent plants of compact size and rosette leaves that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The leaves are dark green and have hard curved spines at the margin. They produce long inflorescences (more than 2 meters/6.56 feet) with yellow flowers after several years; after flowering (in spring) the mother plant dies but before it produces suckers. The fruits are bluish-green capsules. Wicked agave is used in pots for patios and terraces, on borders, on dry and sunny slopes, on rockeries and in gardens of cacti and succulents. Agave horrida needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. It resists frosts down to -3 ºC (26.6 ºF). Horrid Hardy Century Plant grows in any very well drained soil be it sandy, poor, rocky or stony. Planting or transplanting is done in spring. Agave horrida is very resistant to drought plants that need moderate watering, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. In winter, water very little. Wicked agave does not need fertilizers or pruning. Horrid Hardy Century Plant is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity. Agave horrida is propagated from seeds sown in spring, by separating suckers and by means of leaf cuttings. |
Images of the succulent plant Agave horrida or Wicked agave |