Care of the succulent plant Agave angustifolia Marginata or Variegated Caribbean Agave |
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The genus Agave, family Asparagaceae, comprises about 350 species of succulent plants native to Mexico, the Southwest of the United States and Central America. Some species are: Agave angustifolia, Agave vilmoriniana, 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 ferdinandi-regis, Agave datylio. Common names: Variegated Caribbean Agave, Narrow century plant. They are succulent plants with a short stem and rounded bearing that reach 1.20 meters (3.93 feet) in height. The graceful sword-shaped leaves are up to 70 cm (2.29 feet) in length and are green or bluish-green in color with spiny cream-colored margins. The flowers are greenish and appear on long flower stalks up to 2 meters (6.56 feet) high. They can bloom after 10 years of life. The mother plant dies but produces suckers at the base and seedlings on the flower stem. They are used in rockeries, on slopes, on borders, in cactus and succulent gardens and in pots for patios and terraces. The Agave angustifolia Marginata prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade. They resist frost down to -6 ºC (21.2 ºF) if the substrate is dry. The soil can be a normal garden soil with abundant coarse sand, gravel or volcanic stones; it is important that it has good drainage. The transplant is done in early spring. Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to dry. In winter reduce watering. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents. They do not need pruning. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by separation of suckers and from the seedlings that appear on the flower stalk. |
Images of the succulent plant Agave angustifolia Marginata or Variegated Caribbean Agave |
 Agave angustifolia Marginata  Agave angustifolia Marginata  Agave angustifolia Marginata  Agave angustifolia Marginata |