Care of the succulent plant Agave stricta or Hedgehog agave |
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The Agave genus, a subfamily of the Agavoideae, comprises some 300 species of succulent plants native to Mexico, Central America and the Southwest of the USA. Some species are: Agave stricta, Agave striata, Agave sisalana, Agave shawii, Agave potatorum, Agave parryi, Agave parrasana, Agave macroacantha, Agave filifera, Agave bracteosa, Agave attenuata, Agave impressa, Agave americana, Agave victoria-reginae, Agave guadalajarana, Agave angustifolia, Agave vilmoriniana, Agave univittata, Agave lechuguilla, Agave ferdinandi-regis, Agave datylio. Common name: Hedgehog agave. This species is native to Puebla and Oaxaca in Southern Mexico. They are elegant succulent plants with a spherical bearing and a branched trunk that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The leaves are thin and long, green or bluish in color and end in a thorny point. The flowers are purple in color and appear on a flower stem up to 2 meters (6.56 feet) tall. They bloom in summer and do not die after flowering. They are used to form groups, in borders, next to a wall, in rockeries, as isolated specimens or in pots. Agave stricta can be grown in full sun or in half shade in hot, dry climates. It does not resist frost and it does not suit temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF). They can grow in poor, stony soils but appreciate a well-drained garden substrate with coarse sand. Potting in spring. They are very resistant to drought so they will be watered occasionally in spring and summer and will stop watering in winter. Fertilize lightly with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents in early spring. They are only pruned to remove withered flower stems. They resist pests well but are sensitive to excess watering and cold. Propagation can be done from seeds or stem cuttings. |
Images of the succulent plant Agave stricta or Hedgehog agave |
 Agave stricta  Agave stricta |