DESCRIPTION:

 

We are not authorities on agave, but have been growing this for about since about 2000 and think it has lots of merit.  It is very slow growing, so our original plant is only now about 18" in diameter.  From our research, it can reach a maximum size of 4' in diameter with 4-5" wide leaves, 2' tall and will eventually have a flower spike of up to 12' tall with greenish-yellow flowers in the spring or early summer.  As of 2013 the original plant has not bloomed.  Like many other agave, they die (momocarpic) after they bloom.  I would guess it could take decades to reach a blooming size.

 

The spines can be especially dangerous, so handle them with care and with thick leather gloves.  They look especially nice in containers, and a 3-8 year old plant could easily fill a 12-18" diameter pot.  They send out thick, fleshy, underground stolons up to 2' that will form small plants all around the perimeter, similar to other forms of agave.  Once the main plant dies it has already been replaced by dozens of new plants that have formed around it.

 

They are found in Texas and the Gomez Farias area of Tamaulipas state, Mexico.  Since this is a cloud forest it's not expected that agave would be found there.

 

GROWING CONDITIONS:

 

Full sun to partial shade but 50% shade is optimum.  These are semi-tropical (zone 9-10 recommended ) but can survive temperatures to 10 degrees F, zone 7.  The plants grow slowly, so a 2-3 year old plant will be no more than 4-6" in diameter.  They make excellent container plants with a good draining soil mix (1 part peat moss to 1 part load to 2 parts sand.  You can add 1 cup of hydrated lime to each .01 cubic yard to adjust the pH.  Some small pebbles are good too.) and will look very nice around a pool or patio.  Water throughly and let them dry out.  Regular misting is good, especially in the winter when water needs drop considerably, if you have the time.  They grow naturally in rock crevices.  They do not shed leaves, so are neat and tidy.

 

They do not develop a very extensive root system, so are easy to transplant.  They do great in the Florida heat in full sun (light shade to full sun recommended) and are very drought tolerant where weekly watering should suffice. 

 

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM FOR BID:

 

You are bidding on a large plant at least 10" in diameter that is at least 6 years old but not quite as large as the one pictured in the clay pot.  These are very heavy and expensive to ship, thus the much higher cost.   It will be shipped bare root, ready to be planted in the ground or in a 3 gallon container.

 

PHOTOS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

These are pictures of our plants, so you know exactly what they look like and what you will receive. The photos shows the plant in various stages of growth.   Please feel free to contact us for additional information, and click on "Me" following our star rating.  Also, we invite you to go to our store (little red door) and look at other items we have for sale.