Agave americana , unremarkably sleep together as the century plant , maguey , or American aloe , is a unfolding plant species belonging to the family Asparagaceae . It is native to Mexico and the United States , specifically Texas . Despite being name “ American aloe ” in common parlance , Agave americanais not a extremity of the same family asAloe , although it fall under the same order , Asparagales .
This succulent can produce outdoors year - one shot in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8 to 10 . The big of the agave , mature plants range from 5 to 7 foot marvellous with 8- to 12 - foot spread . Century plant makes a spectacular accent works with its naughty or blue - gray leave , black spines and showy , yellow - fleeceable heyday . As the plant life is flowering , vegetative offsets appear at the base of the industrial plant . The stocky declamatory leaves grow in a rosette and add class - round interest group .
This plant is extensively grow around the globe for its decorative appeal and has become naturalized in several realm , such as Southern California , the West Indies , South America , the Mediterranean Basin , Africa , the Canary Islands , India , China , Thailand , and Australia .
This coinage produces seed , but it principally reproduces itself vegetatively via suckers which allow it to spread laterally and can spring very big and impenetrable colony over meter . Young flora produced in this manner can be dispersed downstream during floods . The seeds are also scatter by both wind and water system . Plants are most usually spread into bushland domain in dump garden waste material .
Characteristics
Uses
Cultivation
Climate and Location
The American Century Plant expand in spicy , arid , or semi - desiccate climates , making it well - suit for regions with abundant sunlight and minimal rain . It is hardy in USDA zone 8 to 11 , where temperature rarely drop below 15 ° F ( -9 ° C ) . take a sunny , open location for optimal emergence , as the plant requires full sunshine for at least 6 time of day daily .
Soil Requirements
Well - run out soil is crucial for train the American Century Plant , as it is extremely susceptible to ancestor rot in waterlogged term . Sandy , rocky , or gravelly grime with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH ( 6.5 - 8.0 ) are ideal . Adding coarse gumption or gravel to clay - heavy soils can better drain and forbid urine retention .
Planting
Propagation is typically done using offsets ( pups ) that acquire around the base of mature plants . To establish , gently remove an offset , allowing the cut to dry out and heal for a few days to foreclose rotting . Then , found the offset in prepared filth , ensuring the base of operations is just above the territory line to avoid burying it too deeply .
Watering Needs
The American Century Plant is extremely drouth - broad and require minimal tearing . piss the flora sparingly during the growing season , allowing the soil to dry completely between watering . Once established , it rarely requires supplemental watering , thriving on natural rainfall in most climates .
Fertilization
Although the plant can flourish in nutrient - poor soils , abstemious fertilization can hike up its growth . Use a low - nitrogen , succulent - specific plant food during the active growing time of year ( spring to summertime ) . quash over - fertilizing , as excessive nutrients can encourage weak , lank growth .
Spacing and Maintenance
The American Century Plant can grow large , with a rosette spanning up to 6 - 10 feet wide , so admit sufficient blank between plants — at least 6 feet apart . Minimal maintenance is needed , but remove all in or damaged leaves can enhance the plant ’s appearance and preclude pests .
Pest and Disease Management
While hardy , the plant life is vulnerable to pests like the agave weevil , which can bore into the heart of the plant and cause damage . Prevent infestation by keep sporty planting areas and applying insect powder if necessary . Overwatering should be avoided to trim down the risk of fungal diseases like tooth root bunkum .
Lifespan and Flowering
The plant is monocarpic , flowering once after 10 - 30 years of growth . When it get on , it sends up a marvellous flowering stalk that can reach 20 - 40 feet . After anthesis , the parent plant dies , but set off around its alkali ensure its generation . To maximize its ornamental value , offsets can be harvested and replanted .
