Since the agaves were released into the wild at numerous locations in the Mediterranean region centuries ago, they have shaped the landscape of many popular holiday regions and places of longing. Nowadays there are numerous agave species with different properties and growth rates to choose from for cultivation in pots, directly in the garden bed or on the windowsill.
The Agave Americana is also commonly found on the European continent
Differences between different agave species
While certain varieties of agave have economic value for the extraction of sisal or the production of tequila in Mexico, for example, other agave varieties are more convincing due to their easy care in the garden and their attractive appearance. Important distinguishing features of the agaves are, for example, the following parameters:
- size and growth rate
- color of the leaves
- height of the inflorescences
- Sensitivity to frost
- Spines on the tips and edges of the leaves
It can make sense to choose rather compact growing agave species for the culture on the windowsill. In milder regions of Central Europe, on the other hand, it can be attractive to overwinter particularly hardy agaves with suitable winter protection in a suitable outdoor location.
Agave americana
This type of agave was also often referred to as "centenary agave" in the past, but can usually flower at an age of around 10 to 20 years. The blue-green leaves of this very large species of agave can grow up to two meters long in some cases. Since this agave is not hardy, it is best to cultivate it in a winter garden that is not heated or in a stairwell with plenty of daylight. Cultivation in the garden can become increasingly difficult over the years, as the prickly plant poses great challenges for hobby gardeners when it comes to transporting it to winter quarters and back to the garden. There are also extremely decorative subspecies of the Agave americana with yellow leaf edges.
Agave victoriae reginae
The so-called king agave is often grown on the windowsill because it grows much more compactly than the agave americana. The leaf tips of this agave species are also armed with very sharp end spines that are potentially dangerous for children and pets. You should be patient with this species of agave, as sometimes only a few leaves grow each year and growth in size is very slow. However, a very regular, hemispherical leaf rosette of dark green and up to 15 cm long leaves forms.
Agave filifera
This agave species is one of the medium-sized agaves and can therefore also be cultivated indoors or seasonally in a pot on the terrace. The species is also often referred to as thread agave or thread-bearing agave because white threads hang from the pale edges of the stiff green leaves. In contrast to this are the black tips on the leaves of this agave species.
tips
In total, there are now well over 300 known subspecies within the agave plant genus. When buying, pay close attention to the relevant information on frost sensitivity and general care. Basically, for most agaves it is better to water them once too little than too often.