Agave

Taxonomic Name: Agave species and hybrids Agave Family Succulent Plants

If you've ever visited the American Southwest, you've probably seen agaves growing either in their native habitats or in garden settings. These New World natives definitely resemble their Old World counterparts, the aloes, but most botanists now believe that agaves belong to a different though closely related family. While some members of the agave genus grow to hefty proportions, there is an excellent selection of smaller species that do not grow to an unruly size. These make excellent houseplants. Among their number are Agave potatorum `Dwarf', Agave victoriae-reginae and its variety `Compacta', and Agave leopoldii.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Bright sunlight (an unobstructed southern or western window is good).

WATERING: Make sure the plant's soil becomes entirely dry between waterings; but when the time does come to water, do so thoroughly. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than ten minutes.

FEEDING: Feed sparingly, and only during active growth or flowering. Use a calcium-containing cactus fertilizer at half the concentration and feeding frequency listed in the product directions.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: If overwatered, aloe plants can develop root and stem rot. Also, check periodically for scale and mealy bug insects. Warning: some insecticidal sprays may harm the plant's succulent leaf tissue. Consider using fine horticultural (paraffin-based) oil to control these pests.