About
Agave parrasana is a compact succulent that develops into a rosette, typically reaching dimensions of up to 60 cm in height and width. Its leaves are short, broad, and waxy, displaying a pale blue-green hue with hooked spines along the edges. After several years of growth, this agave produces flower panicles on robust stems that can extend up to 6 meters, showcasing red buds that transition to yellow as they bloom.
About the genus
Agave consists of either perennial or monocarpic succulents that develop rosettes of typically stiff, thick, spiny leaves. The plants produce funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles that often exceed the height of the rosettes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- NE Mexico
- Toxicity
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass in cactus compost in full light. Water freely in summer, giving a low-nitrogen feed three or four times. Water less in autumn and keep dry in winter. Can move outdoors for summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, or remove offsets
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free