Care of the succulent plant Agave lechuguilla or Lechuguilla |
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 lechuguilla, Agave striata, Agave univittata, Agave stricta, Agave sisalana, Agave shawii, Agave potatorum, Agave parryi, Agave parrasana, Agave macroacantha, Agave filifera, Agave bracteosa, Agave guadalajarana, Agave attenuata, Agave americana, Agave victoria-reginae, Agave angustifolia, Agave impressa, Agave vilmoriniana, Agave datylio, Agave ferdinandi-regis, Agave deserti, Agave chiapensis. Common name: Lechuguilla. This species is native to central and northern Mexico and New Mexico (USA). They are succulent plants that form an open basal rosette that can reach 90 cm (2.95 feet) in height. The long linear leaves are grayish-green in color with hard spines on the margin and a strong thorn at the tip. They produce yellow or reddish flowers. They bloom from late spring to early summer. Lechuguilla is used to form groups, on dry slopes, in rockeries and in pots when they are young. Agave lechuguilla grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures and in hot, dry climates. It is better not to expose them to frost. The soil can be a mixture of 50% normal garden soil, 30% coarse sand and 20% leaf mulch or a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents with 15% coarse sand or gravel. The pot transplant is done in spring. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. In autumn water every 20 days and in winter water once a month at most. Fertilize in early spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents. Lechuguilla does not need pruning. Agave lechuguilla is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Lechuguilla is propagated by separation of suckers in spring; Let them dry for 2 days before rooting in a sandy substrate. |
Images of the succulent plant Agave lechuguilla or Lechuguilla |