Agave parryi (Parry’s Agave): Growing and Care Guide

Agave parryi is a gorgeous, drought-resistant succulent that can be grown indoors or outdoors. It is considered among the most recognized Agave in cultivation today, easy to grow and easy to maintain.

This article will provide expert tips for growing a Parry’s Agave and caring for it, so it grows healthy and beautiful!

About Agave parryi

Agave parryi, or Parry’s Agave, is an evergreen succulent plant native to Mexico and the southern United States. It is often grown as an ornamental houseplant because of its dramatic blue-gray coloration.

It has become popular for its large, symmetrical rosette of stiff leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in height. The leaves are blue-green, with sharp spines lining the edges and a rigid terminal spine.

Agave parryi is easy to grow and makes an excellent addition to any succulent collection or garden.

Other than its ornamental uses, this Agave has also been used by native tribes for food and fiber.

Botanical Name	Agave parryi
Common Name	Parry’s Agave, Mezcal Agave, Century Plant
Family	Asparagaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	Americas
Maintenance	Low
Height	1-3 feet
Width	2-3 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
Hardiness (USDA)	7-10

Agave parryi Care

Agave parryi is an easy succulent to care for, provided that its needs are met. These include proper lighting, water, and temperature conditions.

This Agave can be grown indoors or outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10.

Light

Parry’s Agave appreciates full sun to partial shade, depending on the season. When the plant is actively growing in the summer months, give it a spot in full sun, where it can receive 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

However, be careful not to allow the plant to suffer through intense, scorching sunlight. Some light shade is necessary to prevent the plant from getting too hot and causing sunburn.

Soil

The plant needs soil that is well-draining and sandy. It can tolerate clay, but you’ll need to amend the soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage.

If planting Parry’s Agave in a container, consider mixing half potting soil and half coarse sand.

Water

Agave parryi needs water only when the soil is dry. It’s important not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot. When you water, give the roots plenty of time to dry out before watering again.

You’ll want to reduce the amount of water you give it during winter.

Temperature and Humidity

Parry’s Agave prefers temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a range of 45 to 100 degrees, but it must have protection for extreme conditions.

In general, this Agave does not do well in humid environments. However, it will have no problem dealing with normal room conditions.

Fertilizer

Parry’s Agave requires little to no fertilizing. However, if you want to boost it, you can use a weak fertilizer solution once or twice in the spring and summer.

Low nitrogen fertilizer is recommended. However, it’s imperative to note that too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too quickly, leading to stunted growth.

Pruning

Agave parryi can be pruned to remove old leaves, which will help the plant stay healthy. You’ll want to use sharp scissors or a knife to cut off the dead leaves. You should do this as soon as they appear so they don’t burden the rest of the plant for long.

Potting and Repotting Agave parryi

Agave Parryi can be potted or repotted as needed. When the roots start spilling out of the bottom of the pot or the plant has outgrown its container, it’s time to repot.

Spring or summer are the preferred seasons for repotting, but you can repot Agave parryi at any time of the year. However, it’s an excellent idea to wait until all danger of frost has passed before repotting.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the Agave parryi from the pot. Use a flat shovel to loosen the soil around the plant.
2. Gently lift the Agave parryi out of its container and shake off any excess dirt from the rootball.
3. Place a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom of your new pot for drainage.
4. Fill the container with the pre-selected potting soil up to 1 inch below the rim. Place the Agave in its new container.
5. Water thoroughly and allow everything to drain quickly.

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

1. Remove the seeds from the pod. Place them on a dry towel and encourage them to dry for 24 hours.
2. Fill your pot with potting soil and use a pencil or stick to make holes about ¼ inch deep in the soil.
3. Place the seeds in the dug-out holes and cover them with more soil.
4. Water thoroughly and place your new plants under grow lights or on a windowsill so they can germinate.
5. Once the seedlings have sprouted, remove them from their containers and place them in their own pots.
6. Water deeply and allow the potting medium to drain quickly.

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

When your plant has become large enough, it may begin to offset and give off suckers than can be replanted as new Agave. To do this:

1. Remove the offset from the parent plant by digging around it with a knife or scissors, ensuring not to damage the roots.
2. Allow the cut end of the Agave offset to heal and callus over.
3. Place the offset in its own pot and add some well-draining soil.
4. Water thoroughly and wait for new growth.

Blooms

Agave parryi is monocarpic, meaning it only blooms once before dying. This can be anywhere from 13 to 15 years after a plant is first planted.

The flowers are yellow and emerge on top of a magnificent, tall flowering stalk that rises from the center of the rosette. In fact, this stalk can get as tall as 20 feet tall.

New offsets also appear around this time, giving the gardener a way to continue the culture.

Toxicity

Agave parryi is mildly toxic. It is not considered a serious threat to animals or humans but can cause skin irritation.

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

The most common pest of Agave is the Agave snout weevil. This insect lays eggs in the rosette, hatching and feeding on the plant’s tissue.

The damage is often noticeable in the form of small holes and leaves that are chewed off. You can control the Agave snout weevil with insecticides, but it may take several applications to eradicate them from your garden completely.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, brown-colored insects that often appear in clusters on the stems of agaves. They feed by sucking sap from Agaves and other succulents and may cause leaves to turn yellow and die back. You can remove the scale insects by treating the affected areas with neem oil.

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are often found in gardens, especially during the rainy season. They feed on the leaves of agaves, causing holes or chewed edges to appear. Lay down organic bait to catch them.

Common Problems

FAQ