Agave stricta 'Nana' (Dwarf Hedgehog Agave) - A small agave that grows slowly to form symmetrical rosettes 6 to 10 inches tall and wide of narrow pale green spine-tipped leaves with tiny teeth along the margins that are more rough than sharp to the touch. With time new offsets form at the base from short rhizomes to create attractive tightly packed colonies. Occasionally a rosette will flower with a tall, sometimes crooked stalk, rising well above the foliage in late summer. The rosette of the flowering plant dies off but is quickly replaced by surrounding ones.
How to Grow and Care
Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They’re slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you’re the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you’re the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might the way to go. In general, Agave do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It’s also best to handle your Agave as little as possible, since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot.
Temperature: The plant thrives in warm temperatures during the summer although the winter months can prove troublesome should the temperature fall below 10°C. It handles changes in day and night time temperatures very well.
Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
Light: While it can be kept in partial shade it does require full sunlight. This means that it will grow well on a sunny windowsill or outside soot that is south or east facing. During the winter months it is crucial that the plant receives as much light as possible.
Watering: Like other succulents, the Agava americana does need more water during its growth period. Water enough to make the potting mixture moist but allow two thirds of the potting mixture to dry out before watering again. During the rest period the plant requires very little water and only enough to stop the potting mixture from drying out. In it's natural sub-tropical and semi-arid regions it spends a lot of time without water and survives well because the leaves are storage organs for water and nutrients.
Soil: The Century plant does prefer a soil that drains very well. This does mean that the loam soil should be used that contains sand so that it remains moist but drains well. The soils should be PH Acid Neutral.
Fertilizer: A liquid fertilizer will be fine to use every two weeks while the plant is actively growing. During the rest period the plant will not require fertilizing.
Propagation: Offsets that can be found at the base of the plant can be used to propagate. Once the offset is around 8-10cm long it can be detached and put into a standard potting mixture. Ensure that it is well rooted and only give it enough water so that the potting mixture is slightly moist. They are also propagated with seeds.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE AGAVE
- Scientific Name: Agave stricta ‘Nana’
- Common Names: Dwarf Hedgehog Agave
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Subfamily: Agavoideae
- Genus: Agave
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| source pic: flickr.com |
How to Grow and Care
Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They’re slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you’re the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you’re the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might the way to go. In general, Agave do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It’s also best to handle your Agave as little as possible, since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot.
Temperature: The plant thrives in warm temperatures during the summer although the winter months can prove troublesome should the temperature fall below 10°C. It handles changes in day and night time temperatures very well.
Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
Light: While it can be kept in partial shade it does require full sunlight. This means that it will grow well on a sunny windowsill or outside soot that is south or east facing. During the winter months it is crucial that the plant receives as much light as possible.
Watering: Like other succulents, the Agava americana does need more water during its growth period. Water enough to make the potting mixture moist but allow two thirds of the potting mixture to dry out before watering again. During the rest period the plant requires very little water and only enough to stop the potting mixture from drying out. In it's natural sub-tropical and semi-arid regions it spends a lot of time without water and survives well because the leaves are storage organs for water and nutrients.
Soil: The Century plant does prefer a soil that drains very well. This does mean that the loam soil should be used that contains sand so that it remains moist but drains well. The soils should be PH Acid Neutral.
Fertilizer: A liquid fertilizer will be fine to use every two weeks while the plant is actively growing. During the rest period the plant will not require fertilizing.
Propagation: Offsets that can be found at the base of the plant can be used to propagate. Once the offset is around 8-10cm long it can be detached and put into a standard potting mixture. Ensure that it is well rooted and only give it enough water so that the potting mixture is slightly moist. They are also propagated with seeds.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE AGAVE
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