Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, maguey, or American aloe, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Asparagaceae. It is native to Mexico and the United States, specifically Texas. Despite being called “American aloe” in common parlance, Agave americana is not a member of the same family as Aloe, although it falls under the same order, Asparagales.
This succulent can grow outdoors year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. The largest of the agaves, mature plants range from 5 to 7 feet tall with 8- to 12-foot spreads. Century plant makes a dramatic accent plant with its blue or blue-gray leaves, black spines and showy, yellow-green flowers. As the plant is flowering, vegetative offsets appear at the base of the plant. The thick large leaves grow in a rosette and add year-round interest.
This plant is extensively grown around the globe for its decorative appeal and has become naturalized in several regions, such as Southern California, the West Indies, South America, the Mediterranean Basin, Africa, the Canary Islands, India, China, Thailand, and Australia.
This species produces seed, but it mainly reproduces itself vegetatively via suckers which allow it to spread laterally and can form very large and dense colonies over time. Young plants produced in this manner can be dispersed downstream during floods. The seeds are also dispersed by both wind and water. Plants are most commonly spread into bushland areas in dumped garden waste.
Characteristics
- The American Century Plant is a slow-growing succulent, taking about 10 to 30 years to reach maturity depending on environmental conditions.
- The plant has a lifespan of 10 to 30 years, and like other agaves, it is monocarpic, meaning it blooms once at the end of its life before dying.
- It grows into a large rosette of stiff, sword-shaped leaves that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and 10 feet (3 meters) wide. The leaves are bluish-green or gray-green with sharp spines along the edges and a prominent terminal spine.
- When mature, it produces a flowering stalk that can grow up to 20-40 feet (6-12 meters) tall, with clusters of yellow-green flowers. Flowering typically occurs once in its lifetime, after which the plant dies.
- This agave thrives in hot, arid, or semi-arid climates, tolerating temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C) for short periods. It is drought-tolerant and well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
- The plant is extremely drought-resistant and needs little to no supplemental watering once established.
- In addition to flowering, the plant produces numerous offsets or “pups” around its base, which can be transplanted to propagate new plants.
Uses
- Its striking, architectural form and low-maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for xeriscaping and decorative gardens in arid and semi-arid regions.
- The tough leaves are rich in strong fibers, traditionally used to produce rope, mats, baskets, and textiles.
- The sap and extracts from the plant have been used in folk medicine for treating wounds, burns, and skin conditions, though caution is needed as it can be irritating to the skin.
- Although not typically used for tequila, the plant’s sap can be fermented to make pulque, a traditional alcoholic beverage in Mexico.
- The leaves can be processed and fed to livestock during times of drought, though they require treatment to remove spines and reduce toxicity.
- Due to its high biomass yield, the plant is being explored for use in biofuel production and as a raw material for bio-based products.
Cultivation
Climate and Location
The American Century Plant thrives in hot, arid, or semi-arid climates, making it well-suited for regions with abundant sunlight and minimal rainfall. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11, where temperatures rarely drop below 15°F (-9°C). Select a sunny, open location for optimal growth, as the plant requires full sunlight for at least 6 hours daily.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is crucial for cultivating the American Century Plant, as it is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.5-8.0) are ideal. Adding coarse sand or gravel to clay-heavy soils can improve drainage and prevent water retention.
Planting
Propagation is typically done using offsets (pups) that grow around the base of mature plants. To plant, gently remove an offset, allowing the cut to dry and heal for a few days to prevent rotting. Then, plant the offset in prepared soil, ensuring the base is just above the soil line to avoid burying it too deeply.
Watering Needs
The American Century Plant is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Water the plant sparingly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Once established, it rarely requires supplemental watering, thriving on natural rainfall in most climates.
Fertilization
Although the plant can thrive in nutrient-poor soils, light fertilization can boost its growth. Use a low-nitrogen, succulent-specific fertilizer during the active growing season (spring to summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can encourage weak, spindly growth.
Spacing and Maintenance
The American Century Plant can grow large, with a rosette spanning up to 6-10 feet wide, so allow sufficient space between plants—at least 6 feet apart. Minimal maintenance is needed, but removing dead or damaged leaves can enhance the plant’s appearance and prevent pests.
Pest and Disease Management
While hardy, the plant is vulnerable to pests like the agave weevil, which can bore into the heart of the plant and cause damage. Prevent infestations by maintaining clean planting areas and applying insecticides if necessary. Overwatering should be avoided to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like root rot.
Lifespan and Flowering
The plant is monocarpic, flowering once after 10-30 years of growth. When it matures, it sends up a tall flowering stalk that can reach 20-40 feet. After flowering, the parent plant dies, but offsets around its base ensure its propagation. To maximize its ornamental value, offsets can be harvested and replanted.