The different types of agave are very similar to cacti in terms of their care needs, since they require little care and react sensitively to any cuts with the leaves that serve as water storage. Visually, however, there is a whole range of other plants that are sometimes confused with agaves grown in pots or as houseplants.

The aloe vera does not belong to the agaves

Beware of confusing it with aloe vera

In the meantime, aloe vera is as widespread as agaves in many gardens, since the healing properties of aloe juice are well known. But caution is advised here: Since some agave species are quite slightly poisonous, the juice from the leaves should never get into open wounds and if possible not on the skin. Certain agaves are used for the production of agave syrup or tequila, but mixing them up with the healing aloe vera can be dangerous.

The candle palm lily as an optical double of the agave

Sometimes the specimens of the species Yucca gloriosa, known as candle palm lilies, are confused with the agaves. However, their leaves, which are also arranged in the form of a rosette, are significantly thinner and contain less water. This may well be the main reason why these plants, unlike many agave species, are very frost hardy. The candle palm lily, also known as the Spanish dagger, blooms every year in a suitable location and tends to develop a woody stem base more than agaves. This plant can be an exotic-looking alternative when local temperatures prevent the similar-looking agaves from overwintering outdoors.

The so-called bow hemp

Because of its decorative leaves, the bow hemp is often cultivated as a houseplant in a pot like the agave. Similarities of the Sansevieria with the agaves are:

  • leaves sessile
  • succulent plants
  • easy-care plant on the windowsill

What is different, however, is that the leaves are not arranged in a large leaf rosette, but grow along the rhizome as basal leaf rosettes or in two rows. An inflorescence forms only once on each shoot, but the shoots do not die off after flowering.

tips

Agaves can usually be recognized relatively clearly by their thick, fleshy leaves and the often existing spikes.

Category:

Vegetable garden