Agave americana, Century Plant - Succulent Plant

These succulent plants thrive in the warmer regions where freezes are not a problem.

Pack contents

• Agave americana, Century Plant - Succulent Plant
• 3 inch (8 cm) Grower Round Plastic Pot (Black)

Agave americana, also known as century plant, is a member of the family Agavaceae. These succulent plants thrive in the warmer regions of the U. where freezes are not a problem. Century plants are quite drought tolerant and easy to grow, which makes them perfect additions to a garden where the gardener wishes to xeriscape. Despite the tale that they bloom once every century, the century plant will produce its bloom in approximately ten years. Growing to a height of 12 feet or more, century plants make good specimen plants in rock gardens.

Plant Specifications

*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%

• Common Name: Century plant.
• Maximum Reachable Height: Up to 12 feet.
• Difficulty Level: easy to grow

Planting and care

Prune off the bottom leaves as they begin to turn brown and die. Use a pruning saw to remove the leaves. Wear gloves, because the spines are sharp and can cut your hands and arms. Agave americana careAgave have a large tap root and do not transplant well, so choose an appropriate site when planting agave. The majority of the roots are surface roots and do not require a deep hole if planted when young.

• Sunlight: Grow century plants in areas that receive full sunlight. Tolerant to some shade, century plants will grow best in high light conditions.
• Watering: Water the plant diligently for the first week and then cut it to half the second week. Taper off even more until you are only watering once every week or two.
• Soil: Plant century plants in soils that are sandy, sandy loam, rocky, or clay loam. Grow century plants in soil that will not retain moisture, as the plant will not tolerate flooded conditions. Amend heavy, non-draining soils with sand.
• Temperature: Room temperature is best for the century plant in the active growing season, while cooler conditions, near 50 degrees Fahrenheit, should prevail in the dormant period.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize in the spring with an all-purpose, granular fertilizer such as a 10-10-10. Fertilize container-grown plants with a water-soluble fertilizer, every other month.
• Agave americana uses: Ornamental Use:

In Mexico as well as Central America people often use the century plant as fencing
The dense hedgerow formed by the plants having long spiky succulent leaves is really impervious to people as well as cattle
Many people use the century plants as ornamental plants and often grow them on rock gardens, in boundaries

Medicinal Use

Century plant yields a sap that is employed medicinally as a laxative and a diuretic
The juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is applied externally on bruises and is also ingested for treating a number of problems related to the gastric tract, including constipation, flatulence, indigestion and dysentery
In addition, the juice of the leaves is also said to be an effective remedy for jaundice
Precursors of steroid hormones are also derived from the century plant leaves

Culinary Use

Apart from its use for medicinal purposes, the flower stalk as well as the heart of Agave americana possess a sweet flavor and can be eaten after roasting them
The seeds of this plant are pulverized to produce a type of flour which is used to make bread

It containsSrItem name1Agave americana, Century Plant - Succulent Plant23 inch (8 cm) Grower Round Plastic Pot (Black)