Brainy Gardener

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Brainy Gardener
    • Home
    • Houseplants
    • Succulents and Cacti
    • Bromeliad
    • Contact
    Brainy Gardener
    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Agave parrasana (Cabbage Head Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Agave parrasana (Cabbage Head Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonOctober 24, 2022
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

    Agave parrasana is a beautiful succulent that can add a burst of color to any garden. Its small stature and easygoing nature make it perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

    Agave Parrasana In A Pot
    Agave parrasana in a pot (“Agave parrasana” by peganum is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

    This guide will showcase the proper steps on how to grow and care for Agave parrasana so that your plant will be healthy and beautiful.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Agave parrasana

    Agave parrasana is an evergreen succulent native to Mexico. The Cabbage Head Agave gets its name from the way its thick leaves form a tight symmetrical rosette that resembles a cabbage.

    The thick, fleshy leaves are imprinted with the overlapping rosette silhouette, forming intricate patterns. Green and gray, the leaves are lined with ridged spines and a sharp, brown-to-black terminal spine.

    It can reach about 2 feet tall when it’s mature and has an average lifespan of 20 years.

    The plant doesn’t need much care and grows well in most climates but prefers dry conditions with full sun exposure.

    Related Article: An in-depth look into all types of Agave succulent

    Botanical NameAgave parrasana
    Common NameCabbage Head Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginMexico
    MaintenanceLow
    Height1-2 feet
    Width1-2 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial shade
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorYellow, Gold
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought, Salt
    ToxicityMildly-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)7-11

    Agave parrasana Care

    Agave parrasana doesn’t require much to thrive. It is a good plant for beginners because of its low-maintenance needs and hardiness.

    Light

    Agave parrasana requires full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.

    Scorching hot sunlight can sometimes burn the leaves, so placing the plant in a partially shaded area that still gets plenty of sunlight is best.

    Soil

    The plant has no special requirements, but it needs well-draining soil. A mixture of pumice and perlite works well because it allows water to drain quickly while retaining moisture.

    Slightly acidic soil will suit the plant well.

    Water

    Agave parrasana does not like to be overwatered, so it’s essential to check the soil before watering. If the top inch of the potting soil feels dry, it’s time to add some water. Remember that you should use only water when the soil is dry because overwatering can cause root rot.

    Temperature and Humidity

    Agave parrasana can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it does best in environments with warm days and cool nights. In cold winters, it’s essential to place the plant near a heat source such as a furnace or fireplace so that it doesn’t get too chilly at night.

    The plant does best in temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is frost-hardy in zones 7 through 11, making it one of the more winter-friendly succulents in cultivation.

    Humidity is a non-issue for this plant, but it will appreciate average room conditions.

    Fertilizer

    Agave parrasana does not need much fertilizer, but it will respond well to feeding once or twice per year in the spring. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength to give the plant an extra boost of nutrients.

    Agave Parrasana Cheat Sheet
    Agave parrasana cheat sheet (“File:Asparagales – Agave parrasana – 4.jpg” by Emőke Dénes is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.)

    Pruning

    Agave parrasana does not need to be pruned, but it will respond well to hard pruning once every other year in the spring or summer. This will encourage new growth and make the plant look more attractive.

    Potting and Repotting Agave parrasana

    Agave parrasana should be repotted once every three years or so in the spring or early summer. This will help keep your Agave healthy and prevent it from becoming rootbound.

    Don’t repot during winter because the plant is dormant and will not be able to function during this period.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. Make sure the pot has enough holes in the bottom for fast drainage. If necessary, use a drill to add more holes. Use clay/terracotta pots.
    • Prepare the soil. Use good quality potting medium that drains well. Add some extra perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
    • Choose the spot. Agave parrasana needs full sun, so choose a location where it will get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Some protection from cold drafts is appreciated.
    • Gather the tools. You will need a sharp knife, gloves, a trowel, and a watering can.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the Agave from its container, using a trowel to loosen the soil around it.
    2. Carefully remove any dirt clinging to the roots by gently shaking them clean.
    3. Cut off any dead or damaged roots with a sharp knife.
    4. Spread the roots evenly in the new pot and fill it with soil mix. Pack the soil firmly around the plant, but don’t compress it too hard.
    5. Place the Agave in a warm, sunny spot and water it thoroughly.

    Propagating Agave parrasana by Seeds (Step-by-Step)

    1. Harvest the seeds. You can only do this after the plant has flowered.
    2. Remove the seeds from their pods and plant them in a pot filled with soil mix.
    3. Keep them moist until they germinate.
    4. Once you see the first sprouts, remove any unwanted seedlings.
    5. Keep them moist and in a sunny location until they are ready for transplantation.

    Propagating Agave parrasana by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the offsets from the mother plant.
    2. Allow the wounded end of the offsets to heal for a few days.
    3. Place them in a pot filled with soil mix.
    4. Keep them moist until they grow roots on their own.
    5. Once they do so, transplant them into another pot or outdoor location.
    Agave Parrasana Leaves
    Agave parrasana leaves (“Agave parrasana (1)” by Ephemeral Impressions is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

    Blooms

    Agave parrasana is monocarpic, meaning that it only blooms once before dying.

    It typically takes ten to fifteen years for the plant to reach maturity. When it does bloom, it produces a long flower spike with many yellow flowers at the top. Once the flowers have bloomed, the plant dies.

    This is why it is important to keep an eye on your Agave parrasana and ensure you do not miss its flowering period!

    Related:

    Agave Parryi Var. Truncata (Artichoke Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Toxicity

    Agave ovatifolia is mildly toxic. The sap from this Agave can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in people who are sensitive to it.

    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

    Agave snout weevil

    Agave snout weevil is the most common pest of Agave parrasana. This insect can be identified by its long snout, which is used to bore into the plant and lay eggs. If you notice that your Agave parrasana has been damaged in this way, it is vital to remove all infested parts immediately.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects can be identified by their hard, brown, or black protective shells. These insects suck the sap from plants, which weakens them and causes discoloration. Treatment includes neem oil or horticultural oils.

    Slugs and Snails

    Slugs and snails can cause damage to your Agave parrasana by eating the leaves and stems. However, you can use bait or traps to counteract before these pests damage your Agave.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Sunburn: Agave leaves can burn if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. If you have placed your plant in full sun and the leaves begin to turn brown or black, move it into the partial shade.
    • Frost burn: The Agave parrasana is frost-hardy, but only if dry. If wet plants are outside during below-freezing temperatures, they can suffer frost burn. Move your plant indoors during the colder part of the year to prevent this from occurring.
    • Overwatering: Overwatering can cause root rot and yellow leaves on your Agave parrasana. You should water your plant only when the soil is dry to the touch, no more than once a week. If you have been over-watering, it may take several weeks for your plant to recover.

    Agave parrasana (Cabbage Head Agave): Step By Steb Care Guide (Video)

    FAQ

    Agave parrasana is a slow-growing plant. It can take up to 10 to 15 years for a mature plant to reach its full height of around 2 feet tall. So, this is an excellent choice for your garden if you have limited space.

    The Agave parrasana will grow to a height of around 2 feet, with 6-8 inches long leaves. Adult plants sometimes offset (not always), and they may spread to form a small colony of Agaves.

    A mature plant may produce offsets that you can plant or use seeds after the plant flowers. Offsets are easier to propagate, so most gardeners opt for this choice if possible.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
    2. Royal Horticultural Society. RHS
    Share. Facebook Pinterest Tumblr Email
    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

    Related Posts

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    Comments are closed.

    Don't Miss

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya pulverulenta (Chalk Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Brainy Gardener is a gardening blog that offers practical, real-life tips and inspiration to help you know how to garden successfully. The website has in depth, well written and clear articles on all sorts of topics and plants, from hydroponics to specific plants like daisies or succulents, houseplants, plant problems

    Email Us: info@brainygardener.com

    Our Picks

    Stem Rot: A Common but Devastating Disease for Garden Plants

    February 1, 2023

    Say Goodbye to Rust Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide for Houseplant Owners

    January 31, 2023

    The Healthy Houseplant Handbook: All About Bacterial Leaf Spot

    January 30, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest gardening tips from Brainy Gardener.

    © 2023 BrainyGardener.com. All rights reserved.
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.