Asparagaceae
Parry's agave: Full Sun Plant
Agave parryi
A very low-maintenance succulent for full sun and sharply drained soil. Its main threat is excess water — water sparingly and let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-15° - 38°C
20% - 50%
Categories
What is Parry's agave?
Parry's agave (Agave parryi) is a easy-care plant from the Asparagaceae family. Agave parryi, Parry's agave, is a hardy rosette-forming succulent native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It makes a compact, symmetrical rosette of blue-grey leaves tipped with dark spines and is prized in dry gardens for its exceptional cold tolerance.
Parry's agave grows up to 60cm, spread of 90cm, watering every 14 days, -15°C – 38°C, 20–50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Parry's agave tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Parry's agave?
TLDR: Parry's agave needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -15-38°C with 20-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Parry's agave?
Water only when the soil is fully dry; in winter it needs almost none. Keep water from pooling in the rosette.
How Much Light Does Parry's agave Need?
Needs full sun to keep its compact form and colour; indoors, give it the sunniest window available.
What Is the Best Soil for Parry's agave?
Use a sandy, very free-draining mix such as cactus soil with added perlite or pumice.
What Pot Should You Use for Parry's agave?
A terracotta pot with drainage holes and cactus mix; the clay helps the soil dry out faster.
What Is Parry's agave and Where Does It Come From?
Agave parryi, Parry's agave, is a hardy rosette-forming succulent native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It makes a compact, symmetrical rosette of blue-grey leaves tipped with dark spines and is prized in dry gardens for its exceptional cold tolerance.
How to Propagate Parry's agave?
Offset division
- Wear gloves: the sap can irritate skin.
- 1 Remove the pup
Separate a rooted offset from the base with a clean knife.
- 2 Callous
Let the cut dry in shade for 1-2 days.
- 3 Plant
Pot in dry, well-draining mix; water only after a week.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Parry's agave Grow?
TLDR: Parry's agave can reach up to 60cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Parry's agave?
TLDR: Parry's agave is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
Endurance and the rare, spectacular once-in-a-lifetime bloom.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
