Caring for Agave lophantha or Agave lechuguilla

Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor' Image - Truncatas.com

Agaves are plants that are normally considered "of the heap", very common. They can grow near the coasts a few meters from the sea, and when they do it in the gardens they do it quickly. Also, many species have spines, which can do quite a bit of damage. But there are some that are so beautiful that you want to have them in the collections: like the agave lophantha o Lechuguilla agave.

This plant is very decorative, both when it is young and when it has already finished developing. The shape and, above all, the color of its leaves is ideal to achieve particularly striking corners in the gardens or on the terraces. But how do you take care of it?

Characteristics of the Agave lophantha

El agave lophantha It is a plant native to the deserts of Chihuahua and Sonora. Forms a rosette of leathery leaves or stalks up to 45cm high and 60cm wide, with serrated edges. The flowers appear grouped in yellow-reddish inflorescences up to 4m high. After flowering, the plant dies, leaving the suckers and a lot of seeds.

It is a species that is easy to grow and maintain, as it resists drought, high temperatures and there are no known enemies that can end it.

How do you take care of yourself?

Agave lophantha 'Variegata'. Image - The Outlaw Gardener 

If you want to have one or more copies, take note of our advice:

• Location: outside, in full sun.
• Soil or substrate: it is not demanding, but it grows better in those who have good sewer system.
• Irrigation: you have to let the land dry between waterings. Usually it will be watered every 3 days in summer, and every 7-10 days the rest of the year.
• Subscriber: highly recommended to fertilize with mineral fertilizers such as Nitrofoska, pouring a small spoonful every 15 days, except in winter when it will be once a month.
• Planting / Transplant time: in spring, when the risk of frost has passed.
• Multiplication: by seeds or separation of suckers in spring-summer.
• Rusticity: supports mild frosts down to -2ºC.

Enjoy your plant 🙂.