Agave montana - S

About the Agave montana - S

Agave montana is an evergreen, rosette-forming succulent from the mountainous regions of northeastern Mexico. The plant develops broad, sturdy grey-green leaves that form a dense, symmetrical rosette. The leaf margins and tips are armed with conspicuous reddish-brown spines. In size S, this architectural species is suitable for container cultivation or planting in an exceptionally well-drained position. Size S is a commercial sales size and, in itself, provides no information about the age or flowering maturity of the specimen.

Characteristics

Origin: This species is native to the mountainous regions of northeastern Mexico, where it grows mainly within a temperate highland climate.

Family: Asparagaceae, the asparagus family.

Position: A sunny and sheltered position in a container, rock garden or gravel garden. Outdoors, a very well-drained position is essential, and the plant must be protected from prolonged winter wet.

Height: A mature rosette can grow to approximately 1 to 1.5 metres in height and width. During flowering, the flower stalk can reach approximately 5 metres in height. The rosette generally remains smaller when grown in a container.

Flowering period: A mature Agave montana flowers once at the end of its life cycle, usually only after a prolonged period of development under suitable conditions. No fixed flowering period can be stated reliably for cultivation; size S is not evidence that the specimen is already capable of flowering.

Flower colour: The flowers of a mature plant are yellow and appear in dense clusters on a tall, strongly branched inflorescence.

Hardiness: Agave montana is relatively tolerant of cold but is not reliably fully hardy under all Dutch winter conditions. The species can withstand frost in a sheltered, very well-drained position. Protect a size S specimen and container-grown plants from severe or prolonged frost and excessive winter wet.

Soil type: An airy, mineral and very well-drained substrate, such as cactus compost mixed with coarse sand, grit or fine gravel. Compacted soil and standing water must be avoided.

Care

Light: Give the plant as much direct sunlight as possible. Gradually acclimatise a specimen coming from a protected growing environment to intense sunlight to prevent leaf damage.

Water: Water thoroughly in spring and summer, then allow the substrate to dry clearly before watering again. Reduce watering considerably from autumn onwards and keep the plant mostly dry during winter. Never allow water to remain in the container or around the roots.

Fertiliser: During active growth, sparingly apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser formulated for cacti and succulents. Do not fertilise in autumn or winter, when growth slows.

Pruning: Pruning is not required. Remove only completely dried or damaged leaves and work carefully because of the sharp marginal spines and terminal spine.

Repotting: Repot when the roots have largely filled the available space in the container. Choose a container with drainage holes that is only slightly larger and use a fresh, airy and mineral substrate.

Humidity: Normal humidity is suitable, provided that sufficient air circulation is available. In particular, avoid prolonged cool, damp and poorly ventilated conditions.

Special features: The sharp leaf tips and marginal spines can cause injury, and the sap may irritate the skin; wear gloves when moving or caring for the plant. The rosette dies after its single flowering event, and the species does not produce offsets. Propagation therefore generally takes place from seed.