About
Agave salmiana is a substantial evergreen succulent characterized by a stout stem and a rosette of robust, fleshy leaves that curve inward. These grey-green leaves can grow to lengths of approximately 2 meters and feature prominent dark brown teeth along their margins, with spines that can extend up to 10 centimeters at the tips. This species has a slow growth rate, ultimately achieving a width of about 4 meters when fully mature. Once it reaches maturity, it may send up a tall inflorescence with branches bearing clusters of small yellow flowers, following which the central rosette will die.
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- 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 in free draining cactus compost, water freely when in growth, but keep almost dry over winter. In frost-free areas, may be planted out with winter protection; elsewhere grow in containers and overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. Needs plenty of space. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by removing offsets in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free