Growing Agave (Century Plant): Desert Succulent for Sunny Windows

Growing Agave - Century Plant

Pronunciation: ah-gah'-vay

Native to deserts and mountains, Agave americana adapts well to dry indoor conditions. Handle with caution: leaf edges and tips have sharp points.

Light

Bright window with 8+ hours of direct sun daily.

Watering

Thick leaves store water. In hot summer, water when top 1 inch of mix is dry. Reduce in fall; in winter, water about once a month.

Temperature

Best indoors at 60–70°F. Hardy in Zones 8–10 (plant in well-drained soil).

Fertilizer

Apply low-nitrogen formula (cactus fertilizer) monthly April–August during active growth. Do not fertilize in winter.

Continuing Care

Slow growing. Repot after several years into a container 1 inch wider using well-drained cactus/succulent mix.