Agave chrysantha is a beautiful plant that can add an exotic touch to any garden.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for this plant.
We’ll start with why it’s such a great addition to your garden and then give you an overview of how to grow it properly.
in this article:
About Agave chrysantha
Agave chrysantha is a species of Agave that originates from Arizona. It’s also known as the golden-flowered century plant because of its gorgeous yellow gold flowers that appear when it matures.
Large, fleshy, sword-shaped leaves form a tight, almost spherical rosette. The gray-green leaves are indented along their center, creating a canal.
The sides of the leaves and the tip feature prominent spines that can injure on contact, so handle with care.
Related Article: Learn about different types of Agave succulents and common varieties
| Botanical Name | Agave chrysantha |
| Common Name | Golden-Flowered Century Plant |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Arizona |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 2-3 feet |
| Width | 4-5 feet |
| Light | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Bloom season | Summer |
| Bloom color | Yellow, Gold |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought, Salt |
| Toxicity | Mildly-toxic |
Agave chrysantha Care
Agave chrysantha is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require daily watering. This is a slow-growing and low-maintenance plant, perfect for beginners.
Light
This plant requires a bright, sunny location. Full sun is best, but it can also be grown in light shade.
Soil
When planting Agave chrysantha, sandy, well-drained soil is ideal. Amend the soil with perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
Water
You should only water this plant when it needs to be watered. In the winter, you should not water it at all; in the summer, you may need to water it once a week.
If you feel like your plant hasn’t been getting enough water for a while and the soil looks dry on top of its clay pot or container, give it a nice drink until it feels damp again—but don’t get carried away!
Temperature and Humidity
To ensure that your Agave chrysantha stays healthy and happy, you’ll want to ensure it’s somewhere with the right temperature and humidity. The optimum temperature is 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of 40-60 percent.
This plant is extraordinarily heat-tolerant and can survive harsh desert conditions quite easily. Ideal for homes with high temperatures.
Fertilizer
If you want to keep your Agave chrysantha in good shape, fertilize it once or twice a year. Choose a slow-release fertilizer that’s designed for cactus and succulents. A balanced fertilizer will provide nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium—you can find these items at any garden center or home improvement store.
Use the fertilizer in early spring once a year. Use half of what the package recommends, and it should be enough. Don’t overdo it! These plants don’t handle overfertilization well.
Pruning
It’s safest to prune during spring and summer but can be done at any time. Prune to remove old leaves, suckers, and dead parts and to keep the plant compact. Grooming your Agave chrysantha is essential because it will help you achieve a good shape for your plant and keep it clean year-round.
Potting and Repotting Agave chrysantha
To transplant, use a pot at least one size larger than the current pot. The Agave will need to be in a container with suitable drainage holes and an appropriate amount of soil for its roots.
Repotting should take place in spring when temperatures are somewhat stable. Repotting during dormancy could kill your Agave handily.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Carefully remove the Agave from its container, ensuring not to damage any roots. I
- Remove any dead or decaying roots from the root ball, ensuring the entire root system is visible.
- Position the plant in the new container to fit securely in the new pot.
- Firmly pack soil around the base of the plant. You should be careful not to disturb roots as they are fragile and easily broken during repotting, and they are also susceptible to rot when exposed to air.
- Water well with room temperature water until water drains freely from bottom holes.
Propagating Agave chrysantha using Offsets (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the offsets located at the base of the plant’s rosette (the round part with leaves) by pulling or cutting them off.
- Allow the new offshoots to heal and callus or dry out before planting them in their own pot using potting soil appropriate for agave plants (a light peat moss-based mix).
- Plant the offsets in a well-drained soil mix.
- Water until water drains freely from the bottom holes.
- Place in a sunny spot and water lightly during the summer when temperatures are hot and dry to maintain healthy growth.
Blooms
Agave chrysantha is a monocarpic species that only blooms once before dying. The agave plant will form a tall 21-foot flower stalk with bright yellow blooms at the very end.
If you’re lucky enough to have an Agave chrysantha in your garden, keep an eye on it as spring approaches because this plant will put on quite a show!
Bees are particularly attracted to these flowers, and hummingbirds occasionally visit them as well. Butterflies also love them because they’re so full of nectar!
Toxicity
The sap of the Agave chrysantha is mildly toxic and can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and even an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
The Agave chrysantha is susceptible to a few different pests, including:
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
Common Problems
The following are common problems for Agave chrysantha (Golden Flowered Century Plant).
Overwatering
If you overwater your plant, the roots will rot, and it will die. The best way to determine if your Agave has root rot without checking the roots themselves is by the quality of its leaves.
A healthy plant should have a heavy leaf that feels firm when you squeeze it between your fingers; if it feels light and mushy, you might have to check the roots for rot.
If your Agave does have root rot, remove any affected roots and replant in fresh soil.
Frost burn
If your Agave chrysantha (Golden Flowered Century Plant) is exposed to freezing temperatures, it will experience frost burn. Frost burn occurs when water in the cells freezes and expands, causing cellular damage. This damage can cause leaves to turn white and fall off.
Overfertilization
Overfertilization can cause your Agave chrysantha (Golden Flowered Century Plant) to grow too fast, resulting in thin, weak leaves or stunted growth.
All About the Golden-Flowered Century Plant (Video)