Last updated on August 3rd, 2022 at 11:25 am
Agave salmiana ferox, also known as Mexican century plant, is a species of Agave native to Mexico and Central America, from San Luis Potosí south to Honduras. Growing up to in height with a thick rosette of leaves, it has become an increasingly popular garden plant because of its unusual appearance and large size.
Like most other agaves, it reproduces through suckers planted close to the mother plant, forming large clumps of plants that eventually reach several meters across if left unchecked.
An agave salmiana ferox can be a stunning addition to any indoor or outdoor garden because of its unique appearance and varied color patterns and textures. But these plants are also finicky when it comes to growing conditions, so if you’re not sure how to care for one in your own environment, it’s best to consult an expert first.
If you’re considering adding an agave salmiana ferox to your collection, the first step should be learning about the plant’s care requirements and unique features so that you can make sure it thrives in your home. This agave salmiana ferox care guide will help get you started on this fun and rewarding endeavor!
What is Agave salmiana ferox?
Agave salmiana ferox is a small, succulent, woody plant that grows in hot, dry climates. It has long, thick leaves and grows to a height of about 5 feet with an equal width. Agave salmiana ferox is more compact than other agaves and has smaller rosettes that form on tall stems. Many gardeners find it a fascinating plant to grow in warm areas but need to understand how to care for it correctly.
Origin and distribution
Agave salmiana ferox is native to Mexico. Like many agaves, it can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests in addition to desert areas. It typically grows at altitudes between 1,600 and 4,800 feet above sea level.
This slow-growing agave is known for its sharp leaves, which give it a prickly appearance that makes it difficult for other plants to grow around it. As such, it’s commonly used as an ornamental plant. However, some people also use it as a source of food or medicine.
Agave salmiana ferox propagation
Agave salmiana ferox is a succulent that you can grow from cuttings. The cuttings should be 8–10 inches long and have multiple leaves on them. Put them in a bowl of water, where they’ll stay for 2–3 weeks before being planted in your garden.
Each cutting will produce roots after 3–4 weeks, at which point you can transplant them into small pots. Give each plant plenty of sunlight, but keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible to prevent sunburns.
Water when the soil feels dry to touch, but avoid overwatering, the plant has shallow roots and won’t need much water to survive. It will take several years for your agave salmiana ferox to reach maturity; once it does, though, it can live for hundreds of years! If you’re worried about keeping your plants alive, start with a younger one.
However, even older plants are fairly easy to care for: simply remove any dead leaves or suckers (shoot-like growths) that appear near its base.
Agave salmiana ferox care information
Agave salmiana ferox plants are relatively low maintenance, even when they’re in a pot. Agaves are succulents and require excellent drainage to thrive.
Water your agave sparingly; over-watering is a common mistake with agaves since their thick flesh makes them look like they need more water than they actually do. In general, the soil should feel dry an inch into it before you water again, this will vary depending on whether you’re keeping your plant indoors or out.
Light requirement
Place agave salmiana ferox in a sunny area. In containers, keep it indoors, where it will have around 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. During summertime, try to set it outside for a few hours every day so that it can catch all of those rays. In the winter months, when there is less light available indoors, move your plant under an artificial light source until spring arrives.
Soil/potting mix
Most agaves need well-draining soil, like cactus soil or sandy loam. If you can’t find these, go with sterilized potting mix and add a handful of pumice to help keep things light and fluffy.
Remember: Agaves are desert plants, so they don’t want to get bogged down in too much material. You may also want to consider planting your agave salmiana ferox in a container if it is particularly large; it will be easier to move around and care for if it is not planted directly into your garden.
Watering
Agave salmiana ferox thrives in warm, dry climates, and therefore requires little to no watering during hot weather. Water sparingly during cool seasons or at any time of year if you’re growing it indoors. Use a quality free-draining soil and allow it to dry out between waterings.
Be sure not to over-water; do not allow roots to sit in water after a thorough watering. When planting agave salmiana ferox outdoors, dig a hole twice as wide as its container and half as deep.
Fill with well-drained soil that has been amended with composted manure or other organic matter. Plant with the rosette facing upward, then fill in around it with more well-drained soil. When planting agave salmiana ferox indoors, use a potting mix that drains well but retains moisture.
Fertilizer
The soil should be fertilized to maintain a pH of 6.5 or higher (most soils will be slightly acidic). Use an all-purpose fertilizer or a 1:1 ratio fertilizer, like 20-20-20, after every three months of growth. Agave salmiana ferox will not benefit from being fertilized during its dormancy period.
If your agave is growing in a container, fertilize at half strength and water with rainwater if possible. If you are using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours before using it on your agave to allow chlorine and other chemicals time to dissipate.
Temperature
Agave salmiana ferox prefers a more temperate environment compared to other agaves. The ideal temperature is between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius).
Although, it should be noted that if temperatures drop too low, your agave will likely die. Therefore, it’s best to keep your plant away from air conditioning vents and cold windows in order to avoid death by freezer burn.
Humidity
Because it originates from Mexico, Agave salmiana ferox can survive in climates with more humidity. Make sure you keep your plant moist at all times, but not soggy. Water about once a week, or every few days if you live in a place with a lot of rain. Be careful that your plant does not sit in standing water; make sure it drains completely after each watering. You can also mist your agave to help maintain its leaves and moisture.
The ideal humidity range is between 40 and 60 percent. If your plant’s leaves begin to curl, you may need to increase your humidity levels. You can do so by putting a tray of pebbles with water in front of a fan or humidifier. In dry climates, you may want to place a shallow dish of water near your plant as well.
If you notice that your agave has brown spots on its leaves, it’s likely that it needs more moisture.
Pruning
Overgrown agaves can be pruned in order to improve their appearance and make them easier to maintain. The cuttings, known as swords, can be used for propagation or replanting. A plant that has grown too large for its pot can also be removed from its pot and divided into multiple new plants.
During pruning, growers should take care not to damage roots and remove any dead leaves or other unhealthy-looking tissue first. When repotting a mature agave, use a container with drainage holes. If you plan on dividing your plant, do so before repotting it; otherwise, you’ll end up with one very unhappy plant on your hands!
To divide an agave salmiana ferox, simply separate the two halves of each rosette and move each one to a new container. Make sure you don’t disturb existing roots when doing so!
When to repot
Repotting agaves should be done in spring and early summer. Repotting is a great time to assess your plant’s health and take any steps necessary to ensure it stays healthy throughout its growth cycle.
The best time to repot agaves is after they bloom, while they are still in their active growth phase. If you repot an agave that has not flowered, you will delay any flowering for at least another year. Although some growers prefer to wait until fall or winter to repot, most agree that spring is best.
During these cooler months, plants tend to go dormant and won’t use as much water or nutrients from their soil. As a result, there may be less stress on your plant during repotting. However, if you choose to do so during cool months, make sure your pot has excellent drainage holes and doesn’t sit in water when watering.
Dormancy/Winter rest
If your agave isn’t coming out of dormancy, chances are you let it get too cold during fall/winter and brought it back outside too quickly. These plants are hardy down to 20 degrees F but can take a couple of weeks to acclimate to temperatures above that. Don’t be in a rush to bring them out of dormancy; slow and steady wins the race here.
The leaves will begin to wilt as they start growing again, so don’t worry if they look bad for a week or two after bringing them back outside. Also, make sure they have enough water while they’re getting used to warmer temps, they need plenty of water while they grow new roots and re-establish themselves after being dormant for months.
Agave salmiana ferox flower & fragrance
Agave salmiana ferox is most known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in the springtime. If you love bright, vivid colors and fragrant plants, then agave salmiana ferox should be right up your alley.
In late summer and early fall, it drops off its leaves but keeps its lovely blooms intact. These make for striking decorations when placed in vases or hanging in pots on your windowsill or patio.
Growth rate
Agave salmiana ferox is a relatively fast-growing Agave. In temperate regions, its growth rate will be slower than that of an Agave in its native habitat of Mexico; however, even at these lower temperatures it will grow faster than some other species, including Agave parryi and Agave pumila which can take decades to reach maturity.
If grown in optimal conditions Agave salmiana ferox can grow over a meter per year for several years before slowing down. It may also produce offsets (pups) during its first few years of growth, although after that time it will not produce any more offspring.
Toxicity
The agave salmiana ferox has high levels of saponins, which make it a potentially toxic plant. They’re especially dangerous for dogs, who may develop gastrointestinal problems. In cases of extreme toxicity, symptoms include nausea and diarrhea.
If you suspect your dog has ingested or is about to ingest any part of an agave salmiana ferox, contact your veterinarian immediately.
USDA hardiness zones
Agave salmiana ferox thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. However, it can be grown as far north as zone 7 with proper care.
Pests and diseases
The most common pests you’ll encounter with agaves are mealybugs and scale. Mealybugs look like white cottony lumps on agave leaves, while scale insect is white with hard shells and can be found under leaf surfaces or on new growth. Treat your agaves with insecticidal soap when infestations occur. Severe infestations will kill an agave so it’s important to monitor your plants for these insects and treat them early.
Conclusion
The Agave salmiana ferox is an impressive houseplant that requires care and attention. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to keep your agave happy and healthy. With diligent care, it can live for years in your home! Good luck with your new plant!
