If you ’re looking for a succulent that is both beautiful and versatile , agave plants are a neat option . There are many different types of agave plants , each with its own unique characteristic . So , which one is correct for you ?
In this blog post , we will talk over the different types of agave plants and help you decide which one is good for your home or garden !
In this article
What is an agave plant?
Agave plants aresucculentsthat come from the agave family . They are lie with for their thick , fleshy leave and striking coming into court .
Agave plants can be used in a variety of ways , both indoors and outdoors . They make great additions togardens or indoorlandscapes , and can also be used as hedge or edge .
How many types of agave are there?
There are over 200 type of agave flora , but only a few are commonly used in landscaping . The most pop agaves for landscaping include the 100 plant , blue agave , and Spanish Dagger . Each character of agave has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for certain spot .
How do I identify agave?
Agave plants have boneheaded , sword - comparable leave that are sharply pointed at the end . The leaves are typically green or blue , and may have a variegate normal .
The flowers of agave flora are very dramatic , and can be up to six foot in diameter . They grow on a magniloquent stalk from the nerve center of the plant , and are typically a bright scandalmongering or orange .
Different Types of agave plants
There are many types of agave plants , each with their own unique feature of speech . Here is a quick overview of the most popular types :
1. American Century Agave (Agave americana)
The American Century agave is a large agave plant that can reach heights of up to six foot . It has panoptic , unripe leaf and acquire a magniloquent stalking with a large incandescent lamp at the top . This American aloe is arrant for use in landscaping or as a focal point in your garden .
The American Century agave is a tardily - growing agave that can take up to ten year to turn over its full size . It need very little fear and is drouth tolerant .
2. Blue Agave (Agave tequilana)
The blue agave is a popular case of agave plant that is often used to raise tequila . It has long , narrow-minded leaves that are bluish - green in color and produces a big still hunt with a bellying top . This agave is well suited for enjoyment in affectionate climates .
3. Butterfly Agave (agave potatorum)
Butterfly agave is a beautiful variety that often has pinkish and xanthous marking on the leaves . It ’s smaller than some of the other agaves , take a crap it a good choice for those with modified space .
Butterfly agave grows slow , so it ’s perfect for people who do n’t require to have to concern about pruning or transplanting often .
Butterfly agave is different than most agaves because it has a russet scab conformation with tenacious , thin farewell . The leaves are edged in bright white and have fatal summit that resemble butterfly wing .
This agave blooms once , sending up a marvelous spike ofyellow flowers . After flowering , the flora buy the farm but will often make offset before it dies . Butterfly agave is a salient improver to any garden and is certain to be a conversation starter .
Butterfly agave grows best in full sun and well - drained land . It is drought tolerant and can stand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit . This century plant makes a great choice for xeriscaping or scurvy maintenance gardens .
If you ’re bet for an American aloe that is sure to turn heads , butterfly stroke agave is the plant for you ! With its beautiful leaves and vibrant flowers , it is certain to add interest group to any garden . Butterfly agave is also drouth patient of and easy to care for , make it a neat option for busy gardeners .
4. Cabbage Head Agave (agave parrasana)
This agave is a front-runner among gardener because it ’s so hardy . Cabbage head agave can tolerate both red-hot and inhuman weather , making it a good choice for garden in all character of the country . It also does n’t require a fate of water , making it an ideal plant for those who live in arid climates .
The Cabbage Head agave is a beautiful plant that can grow up to six feet tall . It has broad , sorry - light-green leafage that mould a gravid rosette at the top of the root . This agave blooms once every seven to ten eld , send up a tall stalk cover in yellow flower . The Cabbage Head agave is a slow grower , but it can live on for up to fifty years .
This agave is drought tolerant and does well in hot , wry clime . It ’s also frost broad and can handle temperatures down to ten degree Fahrenheit . The Cabbage Head agave makes a peachy addition to any garden or landscape . It ’s sure to add a feeling of knockout and elegance to any setting .
If you ’re looking for a beautiful agaveplant that is tough and drought tolerant , the Cabbage Head agave is the gross alternative for you . It ’s sure to add a touching of elegance to any garden or landscape painting . Order yours today !
5. Caribbean Agave (Agave angustifolia)
Caribbean American aloe is a democratic option for those who want an agave that will get quickly . This assortment can touch heights of up to six feet , so it ’s perfect for those who desire a grown statement plant . It does best in full sun and require regular watering .
Caribbean agave is a succulent that is native to Mexico and Central America . It produce honest in full Dominicus and dry climates . Caribbean American aloe has farseeing , narrow leaves that are hoar - green in color .
The plant produces a grandiloquent flower stalk with clusters of yellow peak at the top . Caribbean agave makes an attractive addition to a landscape or garden and is drought tolerant .
6. Desert Agave (Agave deserti)
Desert agave is a democratic choice for those who need an American aloe that will expand in red-hot , wry climates . This multifariousness is incredibly baffling and can tolerate uttermost temperatures and low levels of water supply . It ’s also repellent to pesterer and diseases , making it a in effect choice for hoi polloi who live in areas where these problem are common .
The Desert century plant is a lone plant life that grows up to 12 feet tall . It has a green - gray luggage compartment and tenacious , setose leaves . This American aloe can take up to ten years to flower , but when it does , the anthesis can reach 18 fundament in top ! The flowers are pollinated by bats and last for just one night . After flowering , the agave die out .
The Desert agave is a great selection for those who need a tall plant that will flower finally . It ’s also perfect for anyone who lives in a desert mood . Be sure to ply plenteousness of way for this agave to originate !
7. Ferocious Giant Agave (Agave salmiana ferox)
fierce hulk agave is a popular option for those who want an American aloe that will make a liberal argument . This variety can reach height of up to 25 feet , making it the tallest agave variety available . It does good in full sun and requires regular watering .
8. Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuate)
Foxtail agave is a popular pick for those who want an agave that will raise quickly . This change can reach heights of up to six understructure , making it the perfect choice for people who want a big assertion industrial plant . It does unspoilt in full sun and require veritable lachrymation .
The Foxtail agave ( Agave attenuate is ) is a dramatic plant that certain to turn heads in any garden . It has long , spear - same leave that are grayish - green in color and curve inward at the tips .
In late summer , it sends up a tall stubble bearing yellow flowers . The Foxtail agave grows slowly and can reach a height of up to six feet . It isdrought tolerantand does well in full Dominicus or partial shade .
This century plant is utter for the nurseryman who want something dissimilar , but be warned – it ’s not for the faint of heart ! The Foxtail agave can be difficult to like for and is susceptible to agave snout weevil damage . For the expert final result , give it plenty of room to grow and irrigate it sparingly .
9. Hedgehog Agave (agave stricta)
Hedgehog agave is a popular choice for those who want an American aloe that will flourish in hot , dry climates . This variety is incredibly problematical and can tolerate uttermost temperatures and humble levels of piss .
It ’s also resistant to pests and disease , making it a in effect choice for citizenry who survive in field where these problem are common .
10. Mountain Agave (Agave Montana)
Mountain agave is a popular choice for those who want an century plant that will thrive in cold climates . This smorgasbord is audacious and can tolerate temperature as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit . It does in effect in full Lord’s Day and require even tearing .
11. Octopus Agave (Agave vilmoriniana)
Octopus agave is a popular pick for those who want an American aloe that will grow quickly . This variety can reach heights of up to six feet , making it the pure option for hoi polloi who want a bighearted statement plant . It does just in full sunlight and requires regular watering .
12. Rancho Tambor Agave (agave titanota)
Rancho Tambor agave is a popular option for those who desire an century plant that will thrive in hot , dry climates . This form is incredibly tough and can tolerate extreme temperature and low levels of pee .
13. Royal Agave/Queen Victoria Agave (agave victoria-reginae)
imperial agave / Queen Victoria agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will grow quickly . This multifariousness can pass heights of up to six foot , making it the gross choice for masses who want a big statement plant life . It does best in full Sunday and requires regular watering .
14. Shaw’s Agave (Agave shawii)
Shaw ’s century plant is a pop option for those who need an agave that will thrive in cold climates . This change is hardy and can endure temperatures as low as -20 degree Fahrenheit . It does best in full sun and requires regular watering .
15. Sisal (Agave sisalana)
Sisal agave is a popular pick for those who need an century plant that will thrive in live , ironic climates . This variety is incredibly problematical and can tolerate extreme temperature and low levels of water .
Sisal is a type of agave plant that is known for its durability and forte . It is often used in piece of furniture making and other twist projects because it can hold out a lot of wearable and tear . Sisal also has a very sharp-worded point , so it can be dangerous if you ’re not thrifty . ensure to use caution when working with Agave sisalana .
16. Small Flower Agave (agave parviflora)
little flush agave is a democratic selection for those who want an century plant that will grow quickly . This change can reach heights of up to six foot , making it the perfect selection for masses who desire a big statement plant . It does best in full Lord’s Day and require veritable lacrimation .
17. Smooth Agave (agave desmettiana)
Smooth agave is a popular choice for those who require an century plant that will thrive in red-hot , dry climates . This diversity is incredibly tough and can put up uttermost temperatures and low stage of water .
18. Squid Agave (agave bracteosa)
Squid agave is a popular choice for those who desire an agave that will get quickly . This variety can reach heights of up to six feet , making it the unadulterated choice for the great unwashed who want a freehanded program line plant . It does best in full sunshine and requires veritable watering .
19. Thorncrest Century Plant (agave lophantha)
Thorncrest century plant life is a democratic choice for those who desire an agave that will flourish in cold climates . This variety is hardy and can tolerate temperature as lowly as -20 degree Fahrenheit . It does best in full sunshine and requires steady watering .
The Thorncrest Century Plant is a type of century plant that is known for its bombastic size . It can develop up to six feet tall and has broad , sword - corresponding leaf . This agave is a slow grower , but it can live for up to fifty years .
The Thorncrest Century Plant flower once every ten years , and the flowers are a beautiful orangish - yellow colour . This century plant is drought tolerant and does well in hot , sunny mood . It is also repellent to pests and disease . If you ’re looking for an alien industrial plant that will add interest to your garden , the Thorncrest Century Plant is a great selection .
20. Thread-Leaf Agave (Agave filifera)
Thread - foliage century plant is a democratic choice for those who require an agave that will expand in blistering , teetotal climates . This variety is improbably elusive and can tolerate extreme temperature and depleted level of weewee .
21. Twin-Flowered Agave (Agave geminiflora)
Twin - flowered agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will produce apace . This smorgasbord can extend to height of up to six feet , making it the thoroughgoing option for hoi polloi who want a bragging argument industrial plant . It does best in full sunshine and requires regular watering .
The Twin - Flowered Agave is a dramatic succulent with tall , sword - like leaves and touchy pink flower . This agave is utter for gardeners who are looking for an exotic add-on to their landscape , and it can be grown either in the earth or in a container .
Twin - Flowered Agaves prefer full Dominicus but can endure some faint shade , and they are drought large-minded once they are established . They can be broadcast by division or by taking stem cuttings .
The Twin - Flowered Agave is a beautiful plant that will add interest to any garden . It is perfect for the nurseryman who want an alien addition to their landscape painting , and it can be grown either in the ground or in a container .
Twin - Flowered Agaves prefer full Sunday but can tolerate some light refinement , and they are drought tolerant once they are established . They can be pass around by partitioning or by taking theme cutting . Give this agave a endeavour if you ’re take care for an interesting and beautiful industrial plant !
22. Whale’s Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia)
Whale ’s tongue agave is a popular choice for those who want an century plant that will thrive in cold climate . This variety is fearless and can stand temperature as low-pitched as -20 level Fahrenheit . It does proficient in full sunlight and require unconstipated lachrymation .
The Whale ’s Tongue Agave is a succulent with broad , gullible leaves that taper to a point . This American aloe can grow up to six feet tall and produces a large flower stem in the spring . The bloom are pollinate by bats and hummingbirds , and the lead yield is comestible . Whale ’s Tongue Agaves are drought tolerant and make a beautiful summation to any garden .
Agave care guide
Agave industrial plant are easy to care for and can expand in a potpourri of environments . They prefer full sun but can abide fond subtlety , and they demand very little H2O . American aloe should be fertilized once a yr with an all - role fertilizer .
To propagate agaves , transfer offsets from the female parent flora and replant them in dirt . agave can also be propagated by rooting shank cuttings in water .
Yucca vs Agave
Yucca and agaveplants are both succulent , but they have dissimilar characteristic . Yuccas are taller and have narrower leaves , while agave are shorter with broader leaf .
Agaves also bring forth a flower stem in the springiness , while yuccas do not . Agave plant require very little water to thrive , while yuccas need more water supply . Agaves can be propagated by settle stem cutting in urine , while yuccas can only be propagated by division or source .
FAQs
Which agave is poisonous?
The agave americana is the most vicious agave . It has a sharp , acid taste and make severe burning and soreness of the mouth and pharynx . Ingestion may leave in dying . The tomfool can also cause pelt irritation .
Other agave are less poisonous , but should still not be consume . For example , the agave lechuguilla has a milky fool that can stimulate cutis irritation . See this chart for more information on agave toxicity .
What is the difference between agaves and cacti?
The principal difference between American aloe andcactiis that century plant have parting while cacti do not . American aloe are also aboriginal to the Americas , while cacti are native to the Americas and Africa . See this chart for more information on the departure between century plant and cacti .
Which agave is edible?
The agave atrovirens is the most eatable century plant . It has a balmy , pleasant taste and can be corrode raw or wangle . Other agaves can also be eaten , but they have a stronger flavor .
What agave plant makes tequila?
The agave tequilana is the works that is used to make tequila . It is a type of century plant known as a blue American aloe . Other American aloe can also be used to make tequila , but they are not as vernacular .
Conclusion
Agave plants are a diverse group of succulents that have many likely uses . While the habit of agave nectar has become pop in late years , there are other parts of the plant that can be used as well .
From the muggins to the leaf , agave plants offer a range of benefits for humans and animals . What will you do with your agave plant ?
