Foxtail Agave
Agave attenuata
A striking, stemless succulent featuring soft, pale green to blue-gray rosette leaves that curve gracefully, topped by a large, arching flower spike.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Drought-tolerant. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, reducing frequency significantly during winter months.
- Growth
- Evergreen succulent perennial forming a single large rosette, growing up to 4-5 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Drought-tolerant. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, reducing frequency significantly during winter months.
Soil
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9 through 11
Growth habit
Evergreen succulent perennial forming a single large rosette, growing up to 4-5 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Spring to summer, producing a dense, curved greenish-yellow flower spike that resembles a foxtail after several years of growth.
Propagation
Propagated by removing and replanting offsets or pups that form around the base of the parent plant, or occasionally from seed.
Common pests & issues
Generally pest-free, but susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may occasionally attract scale insects or mealybugs.
Similar species
Agave americana, which features much stiffer, sharply spined leaves, whereas Agave attenuata has soft, spineless leaves.