Agave attenuata, the swan-necked agave
Agave attenuata
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Agave
- Species
- Agave attenuata
Other names:Agave attenuata var. compacta, Agave attenuata var. paucibracteata, Agave attenuata var. latifolia, Agave attenuata var. subundulata, Agave cernua, Agave glaucescens, Ghiesbreghtia mollis
The tender green leaf rosettes of Agave attenuata are not the most delicate part of this plant of the Asparagaceae family. In spring, it is adorned with an elegantly curved flower spike reminiscent of a swan's neck.
How to recognize Agave attenuata, the swan-necked agave?
A succulent bush made up of several rosettes, Agave attenuata measures 60 centimetres high and one metre wide.
Young plants appear aculeate. But after several years, a short, thick trunk, about ten centimetres long, supports the rosettes.
The thick leaves have no spines. They are lanceolate, ending in a tapering point. Foliage is light green in the botanical variety. Some cultivars have blue or yellow variegated leaves.
While american Agave ericana and other agaves flower only once before dying, Agave attenuata is polycarpic. It flowers several times in its life. Its greenish-yellow flowers appear on a 1.5-metre-long inflorescence, curved like a swan's neck.
The seeds are concealed in a dehiscent capsule and dispersed by the wind.
Agave sap is toxic on contact or ingestion. Wear gloves when repotting or pruning. Keep away from small children and pets.
Our care tips
Swan-necked Agaves are low-maintenance plants. However, they are sensitive to cold and excess humidity. Unless you live in a region with dry, mild winters, grow your plant in a pot. You'll then be able to bring it in before the first frost.
Watering
Wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. Water generously: the substrate must be soaking wet to allow your Agave attenuata to build up its water reserves.
If tap water is too hard, use rainwater or demineralized water at room temperature.
Drain any water that accumulates in the saucer after watering.
Misting
Swan-necked Agaves grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Agave attenuata to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Obtain a pot with holes deep enough to accommodate the roots of your Swan-necked Agave. Preferably use a terracotta model to ensure even drying of the potting soil after watering.
Pour a drainage layer (clay balls, gravel, etc.) into the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to drain off, followed by potting soil. Choose a light, well-draining substrate, such as a mix for cacti and succulents, or ordinary potting soil with sand. Plant your Swan-necked Agave in the center and add soil. Stop a few centimetres from the edge and tamp gently to remove air bubbles.
Wait a few days after repotting before watering. The potting soil is already damp and swan-necked Agaves do not like excess humidity.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
You don't have to fertilize your plant to make it grow. However, if you want to stimulate its growth, you can give itfertilizer for cacti and succulents.
Prune
To encourage the growth of your Swan-necked Agave, prune regularly.
Cut dry leaves with clean, sharp pruning shears.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose a sunny, well-drained location, such as the top of a slope or embankment.
Dig a hole two to three times larger than the root ball. Place pebbles at the bottom to improve drainage.
Plant your Swan-necked Agave and backfill. If your soil is heavy, mix it with river sand. Tamp down to remove air bubbles.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Remove a shoot. Use a clean, sharp knife if necessary.
Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.
Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.
Pour a light, well-drained substrate into a pierced pot. You can use potting soil for cacti and succulents or a mixture of ordinary potting soil and sand.
Plant your cutting, burying the first two centimetres in the soil. Place the cup in partial shade.
Wait ten to fifteen days for the cuttings to root before watering.
Disease / Threat
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Tags
- BeginnerCold-sensitiveToxic
- Origins
- North AmericaCentral America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Leaf colors
- Light greenYellowBlue
- Flower color
- Yellow
Discover plants from the same family
American Agave
Agave americana
Agave americana variegata
Agave americana subsp. americana
Queen Victoria Agave
Agave victoriae-reginae
Mother-in-law's language
Sansevieria trifasciata
Find out more
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