Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
If you’re looking for a succulent that is both beautiful and versatile, agave plants are a great option. There are many different types of agave plants, each with its own unique characteristics. So, which one is right for you?
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of agave plants and help you decide which one is best for your home or garden!
What is an agave plant?
Agave plants are succulents that come from the agave family. They are known for their thick, fleshy leaves and striking appearance.
Agave plants can be used in a variety of ways, both indoors and outdoors. They make great additions to gardens or indoor landscapes, and can also be used as hedges or borders.
How many types of agave are there?
There are over 200 types of agave plants, but only a few are commonly used in landscaping. The most popular agaves for landscaping include the century plant, blue agave, and Spanish Dagger. Each type of agave has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for certain situations.
How do I identify agave?
Agave plants have thick, sword-like leaves that are sharply pointed at the end. The leaves are typically green or blue, and may have a variegated pattern.
The flowers of agave plants are very dramatic, and can be up to six feet in diameter. They grow on a tall stalk from the center of the plant, and are typically a bright yellow or orange.
Different Types of agave plants
There are many types of agave plants, each with their own unique features. 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 feet. It has broad, green leaves and produces a tall stalk with a large bulb at the top. This agave is perfect for use in landscaping or as a focal point in your garden.
The American Century agave is a slow-growing agave that can take up to ten years to reach its full size. It requires very little care and is drought tolerant.
2. Blue Agave (Agave tequilana)
The blue agave is a popular type of agave plant that is often used to produce tequila. It has long, narrow leaves that are bluish-green in color and produces a large stalk with a bulbous top. This agave is best suited for use in warm climates.
3. Butterfly Agave (agave potatorum)
Butterfly agave is a beautiful variety that often has pink and yellow markings on the leaves. It’s smaller than some of the other agaves, making it a good choice for those with limited space.
Butterfly agave grows slowly, so it’s perfect for people who don’t want to have to worry about pruning or transplanting often.
Butterfly agave is different than most agaves because it has a rosette shape with long, thin leaves. The leaves are edged in bright white and have black tips that resemble butterfly wings.
This agave blooms once, sending up a tall spike of yellow flowers. After flowering, the plant dies but will often produce offsets before it dies. Butterfly agave is a striking addition to any garden and is sure to be a conversation starter.
Butterfly agave grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This agave makes a great choice for xeriscaping or low maintenance gardens.
If you’re looking for an agave that is sure to turn heads, butterfly agave is the plant for you! With its beautiful leaves and vibrant flowers, it is sure to add interest to any garden. Butterfly agave is also drought tolerant and easy to care for, making it a great choice for busy gardeners.
4. Cabbage Head Agave (agave parrasana)
This agave is a favorite among gardeners because it’s so hardy. Cabbage head agave can tolerate both hot and cold weather, making it a good choice for gardens in all parts of the country. It also doesn’t require a lot 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, blue-green leaves that form a large rosette at the top of the stem. This agave blooms once every seven to ten years, sending up a tall stalk covered in yellow flowers. The Cabbage Head agave is a slow grower, but it can live for up to fifty years.
This agave is drought tolerant and does well in hot, dry climates. It’s also frost tolerant and can handle temperatures down to ten degrees Fahrenheit. The Cabbage Head agave makes a great addition to any garden or landscape. It’s sure to add a touch of beauty and elegance to any setting.
If you’re looking for a beautiful agave plant that is tough and drought tolerant, the Cabbage Head agave is the perfect choice for you. It’s sure to add a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. Order yours today!
5. Caribbean Agave (Agave angustifolia)
Caribbean agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will grow quickly. This variety can reach heights of up to six feet, so it’s perfect for those who want a big statement plant. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
Caribbean agave is a succulent that is native to Mexico and Central America. It grows best in full sun and dry climates. Caribbean agave has long, narrow leaves that are gray-green in color.
The plant produces a tall flower stalk with clusters of yellow flowers 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 popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in hot, dry climates. This variety is incredibly tough and can tolerate extreme temperatures and low levels of water. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a good choice for people who live in areas where these problems are common.
The Desert agave is a solitary plant that grows up to 12 feet tall. It has a greenish-gray trunk and long, spiny leaves. This agave can take up to ten years to flower, but when it does, the inflorescence can reach 18 feet in height! The flowers are pollinated by bats and last for just one night. After flowering, the agave dies.
The Desert agave is a great choice for those who want a tall plant that will flower eventually. It’s also perfect for anyone who lives in a desert climate. Be sure to provide plenty of room for this agave to grow!
7. Ferocious Giant Agave (Agave salmiana ferox)
Ferocious giant agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will make a big statement. This variety can reach heights of up to 25 feet, making it the tallest agave variety available. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
8. Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuate)
Foxtail agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will grow quickly. This variety can reach heights of up to six feet, making it the perfect choice for people who want a big statement plant. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
The Foxtail agave (Agave attenuate is) is a striking plant that sure to turn heads in any garden. It has long, spear-like leaves that are grayish-green in color and curve inward at the tips.
In late summer, it sends up a tall stalk bearing yellow flowers. The Foxtail agave grows slowly and can reach a height of up to six feet. It is drought tolerant and does well in full sun or partial shade.
This agave is perfect for the gardener who wants something different, but be warned – it’s not for the faint of heart! The Foxtail agave can be difficult to care for and is susceptible to agave snout weevil damage. For the best results, give it plenty of room to grow and water it sparingly.
9. Hedgehog Agave (agave stricta)
Hedgehog agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in hot, dry climates. This variety is incredibly tough and can tolerate extreme temperatures and low levels of water.
It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a good choice for people who live in areas where these problems are common.
10. Mountain Agave (Agave Montana)
Mountain agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in cold climates. This variety is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
11. Octopus Agave (Agave vilmoriniana)
Octopus agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will grow quickly. This variety can reach heights of up to six feet, making it the perfect choice for people who want a big statement plant. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
12. Rancho Tambor Agave (agave titanota)
Rancho Tambor agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in hot, dry climates. This variety is incredibly tough and can tolerate extreme temperatures and low levels of water.
It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a good choice for people who live in areas where these problems are common.
13. Royal Agave/Queen Victoria Agave (agave victoria-reginae)
Royal agave/Queen Victoria agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will grow quickly. This variety can reach heights of up to six feet, making it the perfect choice for people who want a big statement plant. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
14. Shaw’s Agave (Agave shawii)
Shaw’s agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in cold climates. This variety is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
15. Sisal (Agave sisalana)
Sisal agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in hot, dry climates. This variety is incredibly tough and can tolerate extreme temperatures and low levels of water.
It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a good choice for people who live in areas where these problems are common.
Sisal is a type of agave plant that is known for its durability and strength. It is often used in furniture making and other construction projects because it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Sisal also has a very sharp point, so it can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Make sure to use caution when working with sisal.
16. Small Flower Agave (agave parviflora)
Small flower agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will grow quickly. This variety can reach heights of up to six feet, making it the perfect choice for people who want a big statement plant. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
17. Smooth Agave (agave desmettiana)
Smooth agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in hot, dry climates. This variety is incredibly tough and can tolerate extreme temperatures and low levels of water.
It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a good choice for people who live in areas where these problems are common.
18. Squid Agave (agave bracteosa)
Squid agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will grow quickly. This variety can reach heights of up to six feet, making it the perfect choice for people who want a big statement plant. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
19. Thorncrest Century Plant (agave lophantha)
Thorncrest century plant is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in cold climates. This variety is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
The Thorncrest Century Plant is a type of agave that is known for its large size. It can grow up to six feet tall and has broad, sword-like leaves. This agave is a slow grower, but it can live for up to fifty years.
The Thorncrest Century Plant blooms once every ten years, and the flowers are a beautiful orange-yellow color. This agave is drought tolerant and does well in hot, sunny climates. It is also resistant to pests and diseases. If you’re looking for an exotic plant that will add interest to your garden, the Thorncrest Century Plant is a great choice.
20. Thread-Leaf Agave (Agave filifera)
Thread-leaf agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in hot, dry climates. This variety is incredibly tough and can tolerate extreme temperatures and low levels of water.
It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a good choice for people who live in areas where these problems are common.
21. Twin-Flowered Agave (Agave geminiflora)
Twin-flowered agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will grow quickly. This variety can reach heights of up to six feet, making it the perfect choice for people who want a big statement plant. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
The Twin-Flowered Agave is a striking succulent with tall, sword-like leaves and delicate pink flowers. This agave is perfect for gardeners who are looking for an exotic addition to their landscape, and it can be grown either in the ground or in a container.
Twin-Flowered Agaves prefer full sun but can tolerate some light shade, and they are drought tolerant once they are established. They can be propagated 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 gardener who wants an exotic addition to their landscape, and it can be grown either in the ground or in a container.
Twin-Flowered Agaves prefer full sun but can tolerate some light shade, and they are drought tolerant once they are established. They can be propagated by division or by taking stem cuttings. Give this agave a try if you’re looking for an interesting and beautiful plant!
22. Whale’s Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia)
Whale’s tongue agave is a popular choice for those who want an agave that will thrive in cold climates. This variety is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best in full sun and requires regular watering.
The Whale’s Tongue Agave is a succulent with broad, green leaves that taper to a point. This agave can grow up to six feet tall and produces a large flower stalk in the spring. The flowers are pollinated by bats and hummingbirds, and the resulting fruit is edible. Whale’s Tongue Agaves are drought tolerant and make a beautiful addition to any garden.
Agave care guide
Agave plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and they need very little water. Agaves should be fertilized once a year with an all-purpose fertilizer.
To propagate agaves, remove offsets from the mother plant and replant them in soil. Agaves can also be propagated by rooting stem cuttings in water.
Yucca vs Agave
Yucca and agave plants are both succulents, but they have different characteristics. Yuccas are taller and have narrower leaves, while agaves are shorter with broader leaves.
Agaves also produce a flower stalk in the spring, while yuccas do not. Agave plants need very little water to thrive, while yuccas need more water. Agaves can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings in water, while yuccas can only be propagated by division or seeds.
***
FAQs
Which agave is poisonous?
The agave americana is the most poisonous agave. It has a sharp, acrid taste and causes severe burning and irritation of the mouth and throat. Ingestion may result in death. The sap can also cause skin irritation.
Other agaves are less poisonous, but should still not be eaten. For example, the agave lechuguilla has a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. See this chart for more information on agave toxicity.
What is the difference between agaves and cacti?
The main difference between agaves and cacti is that agaves have leaves while cacti do not. Agaves are also native to the Americas, while cacti are native to the Americas and Africa. See this chart for more information on the differences between agaves and cacti.
Which agave is edible?
The agave atrovirens is the most edible agave. It has a mild, pleasant taste and can be eaten raw or cooked. Other agaves can also be eaten, but they have a stronger flavor.
What agave plant makes tequila?
The agave tequilana is the plant that is used to make tequila. It is a type of agave known as a blue agave. Other agaves can also be used to make tequila, but they are not as common.
Conclusion
Agave plants are a diverse group of succulents that have many potential uses. While the use of agave nectar has become popular in recent years, there are other parts of the plant that can be used as well.
From the sap to the leaves, agave plants offer a range of benefits for humans and animals. What will you do with your agave plant?
