Agave vivipara
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Agave vivipara

Century plant · Maguey Lechugilla · Mescal de maguey · కిత్తనార · Garden sisal

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
0
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
172
Observations
584

Description

Source: leafsnap

Agave angustifolia (Caribbean agave) is a type of agave plant which is native to Mexico and Central America. It is used to make mezcal and also as an ornamental plant, the cultivar 'Marginata' that white margins on the leaves is a popular variety cultivated in botanical gardens and backyards. It is very closely related to blue agave Agave tequilana, but is used to make the distilled alcoholic beverage mezcal instead of tequila and is the predominant agave species grown in the State of Oaxaca.The World Checklist of Selected Plant Families regards Agave angustifolia as an accepted name. Other sources maintain them as distinct species with non-overlapping native distributions (García-Mendoza and Fernando Chiang 2003). A. angustifolia has narrow, stiffly erect leaves with moderately-spaced spines, producing capsules, not bulbiferous; whereas A. vivipara is described as having shorter, recurved leaves with short-spaced spines and bulbiferous. A. vivipara is likely similar to A. karatto. The A. vivipara of Miller (1768) and Smith et al. (2008) seem different, of a much smaller habit and narrower leaves, from the A. vivipara of Trelease (1913) and García-Mendoza and Fernando Chiang (2003), of a much larger habit.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The century plant thrives in dry environments and requires careful watering, making sure any excess water can drain away. If the leaves become soft, it may be a sign of dehydration. During the summer, increase the amount of water you provide, and then reduce it in the fall. In the winter, stop watering altogether if the temperature falls to 10℃ (50℉) or below. Resume watering in the spring when temperatures rise above 20℃ (68℉).

☀️ Light Full sun

Native to dry areas, the century plant flourishes in full sun, with its native habitat marked by intense sunlight and very little shade. It also tolerates partial sun, giving it some flexibility in how it grows.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for a Century Plant?

The Century Plant (Agave vivipara) thrives under specific sunlight conditions. It requires full sun exposure, which means it needs to be in direct sunlight for more than 6 hours a day. Alternatively, it can grow in partial sun, which is defined as about 3 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. When choosing a location for your Century Plant, it's essential to observe how sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. This observation will help you select spots that offer the perfect balance of light and shade, ensuring your plant's growth and wellbeing. It's crucial to heed this advice for the happiness and health of your Century Plant.

🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Century plant does well in warm settings and needs elevated temperatures during the growing season to encourage growth and metabolic activity. It prefers plenty of sunlight, proper moisture levels, and good air circulation. It can be harmed by temperatures that are too low and by excessive watering. Balancing conditions is important, and one should also avoid overly high heat and very dry environments.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
FAQ
What is the Century plant's botanical name?

The botanical name of the Century plant is Agave vivipara.

💨 Humidity dry (<40%)

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

Humidity: dry (<40%)
🪴 Soil 0-0
Soil pH: 0-0
🌱 Fertilizer

For a Century plant, light doses of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient. Avoid fertilizing in winter or summer when it is dormant. Reduce fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before fertilizing. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and encourages blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The century plant has a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves and benefits from pruning in early spring. To promote better air circulation and overall health, trim dead or damaged leaves at their base. Pruning helps manage the plant's size and allows for the removal of offsets, which can be used for propagation. This not only improves the plant's appearance but also keeps it healthy.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Agave
Family
Asparagaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
0.91 m to 1.52 m
Mature Spread
1.22 m to 1.83 m
Leaf Color
Light Green, Yellow Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

Tags (6)

Common Names (6)

en Century plant
en Maguey Lechugilla
en Mescal de maguey
en కిత్తనార
en Garden sisal
en Agave