Agave univittata

McKelvey's century plant is well-suited for arid environments due to its high drought tolerance. It thrives in conditions of low rainfall and intense heat. Generally, it needs to be watered every three weeks, but during the growing season, its water requirements increase because of heightened metabolic activity.

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.

This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.

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.

Mckelvey's century plant has rosette-shaped leaves and benefits greatly from early spring pruning. Removing dead leaves during this time improves air circulation and boosts the plant's overall health. When pruning, carefully trim the outer leaves, and after the plant has bloomed, remove the spent flower stalks. This encourages new growth and helps prevent disease and pest issues.