Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of Agave death. Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic its natural arid conditions.
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as Chelem · Palmer Agave · Palmer's Agave
Palmer's Century Plant (Agave palmeri) is a striking succulent native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, known for its architectural rosette and impressive flower stalk
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun is ideal for Agave palmeri. It thrives in bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade might be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
100% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce significantly in winter. Ensure excellent drainage.
25% intensity
Sandy, Well-draining
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 18-27°C (65-80°F). It can tolerate some frost but should be protected from prolonged freezing temperatures.
75% intensity
Feed once in spring with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.
25% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of Agave death. Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic its natural arid conditions.
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally minimal. Remove dead or dying leaves at the base of the plant using a sharp, clean knife or pruners.
Cut away any flower stalks after the plant has bloomed and died, as these can attract pests and diseases.
Propagation is primarily done through offsets (pups) that the mother plant produces. Carefully remove pups when they are a few inches in size, ensuring they have some roots.
Allow the cut surface to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Repot Agave palmeri only when it has outgrown its current container, typically every 2-3 years. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Use a cactus or succulent potting mix to ensure excellent drainage. Handle with care due to sharp spines.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Palmer's Century Plant (Agave palmeri)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Species | Agave palmeri |
Similar in genus Agave
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data