The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
A larger-than-life succulent, the century plant is a visually stunningagavespecies.
To protect itself, the leaves are tipped with sharp spines that ward off intruding pets or people.
The sap of the plant is considered mildly toxic.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Also known as the American aloe, the plants name is a misnomer.
A monocarpic species, the flower display is the plants final act before dying.
Century Plant Care
Hands-off care and patience are required for growing a century plant.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
These large agaves must have well-draining soil and will benefit from intermittent watering, depending on climate conditions.
Be vigilant towards the appearance of agave snout weevils, which can damage a plant beyond recovery.
Soil
These plants do best in dry, sandy soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Century plants in overly moist soil can develop root rot.
However, these plants appreciate regular watering during the spring and summer growing season.
Warm temperatures with low humidity levels make for ideal climate conditions.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fertilizer
Its typically not necessary to fertilize a century plant.
They do fine in sandy, nutrient-sparse soil.
Also known as pups, these clones of the parent plant can easily be separated and planted independently.
You will want to have a container or garden site ready with well-draining soil.
If you choose to plantAgave americanain a container, choose a large pot and soil that offers excellent drainage.
You could also use a pre-mixed blend of succulent potting soil.
Fortunately, century plants are relatively slow-growing.
You likely will only need to repot the plant every other year or so.
Plant it in a location that is well-draining and sheltered from northern exposures.
These plants only bloom once in their lifecycle, after which the plant dies.
After the century plant blooms, the leaves will collapse and the parent plant will die.
Treat the remaining roots with a copper fungicide.
These species of weevil feasts on large agave species, like the century plant.
They weaken the plant by burrowing into the leaves to lay eggs.
Once hatched, the larvae feed on the plants tissue.
Despite the name, these plants have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years on average.
A century plant will bloom once in its lifetime, usually between 25 and 30 years.
These plants don’t require regular maintenance and will grow with little hands-on care.
It is important that they have well-draining soil and dont receive too much moisture.
