Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in cooler months, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Ensure excellent drainage.
Shafer's AgaveAgave shaferi
- Type: Succulent
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Water: Infrequent
- Temperature: Moderate to Warm
Shafer's Agave (Agave shaferi) is a striking succulent with sharp, gray-green leaves forming a rosette, native to Mexico. It's drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Shafer's Agave Care Summary
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Light
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight for best growth and form.
Watering
Infrequent
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Soil
Well-draining, sandy, or gritty soil
50% intensity
Temperature
Moderate to Warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Fertilizer
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer once in spring.
Shafer's Agave Toxicity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
Agave species can cause skin irritation due to sap. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset and oral irritation.
Shafer's Agave Quick Facts
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Plant Place Type
- Pot, Garden
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Plant Height
- 0.3-0.5 m
- Spread
- 0.5-0.8 m
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Dormancy
- Winter
- Leaf Color
- Green, Gray
- Leaf Type
- Fleshy
- Optimal Sunlight Lux
- 60000
Care guide for Shafer's Agave
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base of the plant using a sharp, clean knife or pruners. This improves the plant's appearance and health. Pruning is generally minimal, as agaves maintain a tidy form naturally.
Propagation
Agaves are primarily propagated through offsets (pups) that grow from the base of the mother plant. Carefully separate these pups with a sharp knife, allow them to callus for a few days, and then plant them in well-draining soil.
Repotting
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 2-3 years, preferably in spring. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess moisture retention.
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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Apr
FloweringFruiting
Image Gallery
Photos of Shafer's Agave (Agave shaferi)
Shafer's Agave Names & Synonyms
Common names and botanical synonyms
Common Names
- Shafer's Agave
Shafer's Agave Taxonomy
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Liliopsida |
| order | Asparagales |
| family | Asparagaceae |
| genus | Agave |
| species | Agave shaferi |
Shafer's Agave FAQs
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
What are the light requirements for Agave shaferi?
Agave shaferi thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
How often should I water Agave shaferi?
Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
What type of soil is best for Agave shaferi?
A well-draining soil mix is crucial. Cactus or succulent potting mix, or a sandy loam, is ideal.
Is Agave shaferi cold-hardy?
Agave shaferi can tolerate light frosts, but it is best protected from prolonged freezing temperatures. It is generally hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
How do I propagate Agave shaferi?
Propagation is typically done through offsets (pups) that grow around the base of the mature plant. These can be carefully separated and replanted.