Agave lophantha

Native to dry areas, Mckelvey's century plant does best in full sun, its native habitat marked by intense sunlight and little shade. It will also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in how it grows.

Mckelvey's century plant does best in warm conditions and needs relatively high temperatures during the growing season to support growth and metabolic activity. It prefers plenty of sunlight, suitable moisture levels, and good air circulation. However, it can be damaged by very low temperatures and by overwatering. It is therefore important to maintain a balance and avoid both excessively high heat and overly dry conditions.

For Mckelvey's century plant, small amounts of fertilizer applied one to two times a year during the growing season are adequate. Avoid fertilizing in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before you start fertilizing. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and encourages blooms.