Consulta Plantas

Care of the succulent plant Agave ferdinandi-regis or King of the Agaves

The genus Agave, family Asparagaceae, includes about 350 species of succulent plants native to Mexico, the Southwest of the United States and Central America. Some species are: Agave ferdinandi-regis, Agave datylio, 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 palmeri, Agave vivipiara, Agave ferox, Agave deserti, Agave chiapensis.

Common names: King of the Agaves, Pinguino, King Ferdinand Agave, King agave. This species is native to Coahuila, Mexico.

It is a slow-growing succulent plant that form compact rosettes that reaches 60 cm (1.9 feet) in height and width. The stiff dark green or blue-green leaves have white lines and dark brown margins; They have a spine at the apex. After 20 years it can produce a long flower stem 4 meters (13 feet) high with reddish flowers. It blooms in summer and the mother plant dies.

King of the Agaves is used in flowerbeds, borders, rockeries, in succulent plant gardens and in pots for patios and terraces. It is ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Agave ferdinandi-regis needs full sun or semi-shade exposure and a hot, dry climate. It resists frost down to -10 ºC (14 ºF) if the soil is completely dry.

King Ferdinand Agave grows in any well-drained soil whether it is sandy, rocky or stony.

This very drought-resistant plant needs moderate watering until the soil has completely dried out. In winter do not water.

Agave ferdinandi-regis does not need fertilizer or pruning.

Is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture, especially in winter.

King Ferdinand Agave is propagated from seeds sown in spring and by separation of suckers also in spring.

Images of the succulent plant Agave ferdinandi-regis or King of the Agaves