Agave Desmettiana in 6″ Pot

A rosette-forming succulent believed native to southeastern Mexico (Oaxaca, Yucatán, Veracruz), widely cultivated and naturalized. It makes a symmetrical, urn-shaped rosette 0.6–1.2 m (2–4 ft) tall and 0.9–1.5 m (3–5 ft) wide. Leaves are thick, fleshy, linear-lanceolate, 50–100 cm (20–40 in) long and 5–9 cm (2–3.5 in) wide, deep blue-green to bright green with a smooth margin (no teeth, or only tiny ones) and a single sharp reddish-brown terminal spine (0.5–1.5 cm). Leaves arch outward and reflex gracefully, giving a soft, fountain-like look compared with toothier agaves. Offsets (“pups”) form at the base, eventually creating a clump. Monocarpic: each rosette flowers once, usually at 8–10 years, then dies. The flower stalk shoots to 2.5–3 m (8–10 ft) with side branches bearing clusters of pale yellow to chartreuse flowers (spring–early summer). Variegated cultivar ‘Variegata’ has broad golden-yellow margins.

Quick care: full sun to light shade (more sun = darker, tighter rosette; in hot desert climates a little afternoon shade prevents scorch). Water sparingly—allow soil to dry completely between waterings; deep soak then dry (every 2–3 weeks in warm weather, less in winter). Use gritty, very well-drained soil (sand/loam/grit). Temps 18–27 °C (65–80 °F); hardy to about –6 °C (20 °F), USDA 9–11; protect from prolonged frost. Low humidity is fine; good air circulation prevents rot. Feed 1–2× in spring–summer with a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer at half strength (optional). Repot every 2–3 years or when congested. Propagate by removing offsets or bulbils from the flower stalk. Watch for agave weevil and rot in wet soil; otherwise pest-free. Sap can irritate skin/eyes; wear gloves.