About
At maturity, which may take 20 years or more, it produces a single, gigantic, conical flowerspike which bears both greenish-white flowers and numerous bulbils. A perennial succulent forming a rosette of stiff, sword-shaped, grey-green leaves to 70cm long, and in time developing a stout trunk to 2m. After flowering the plant dies but can be propagated from the bulbils.
About the genus
Furcraea are a genus of evergreen, succulent plants with long, fleshy leaves which grow upwards, similar to Yucca. Flower stalks and long and flowers range from green to white and are slightly fragranced
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Shrubs
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in standard cactus compost in full light with low humidity. During growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly at other times. Outdoors grow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply-drained soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 20°C in spring, or by bulbils
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free