About
Agave toumeyana is a small, succulent perennial that develops a rosette of rigid, grey-green leaves that can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. The leaves taper sharply and have an inward curve, featuring silvery patterns and fine white threads along the edges. In the summer, mature specimens may send up tall flower spikes adorned with yellow blooms. This species can withstand cooler temperatures as long as it is planted in well-draining soil.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Houseplants, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- USA (Arizona)
- 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, water freely when in growth, but keep almost dry over winter. Apply a dilute, liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times during the growing season. Grow in full sun or light shade. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by removing offsets
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free