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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Agave parryi var. huachucensis (Huachuca Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Agave parryi var. huachucensis (Huachuca Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonSeptember 28, 2022
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    If you love the look of an Agave parryi var huachucensis but are unsure how to care for one, you’ve come to the right place!

    Agave Parryi Var. Huachucensis In Pots
    Agave parryi var. huachucensis in pots (“180411 108 Waterwise Botanicals – Agave parryi var huachucensis syn Agave huachucensis Huachuca Agave” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    This guide focuses on the basics needed to grow and care for Agave parryi var huachucensis. We will cover each step from start to finish, including proper setup, planting, watering, and sunlight requirements.

    in this article:

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

    About Agave parryi var. huachucensis 

    Commonly known as Huachuca Agave or Artichoke Agave, Agave parryi var. huachucensis is native to the Huachuca mountains bordering Mexico and America.

    Silver-gray leaves are lined with the indentations of the overlapping leaves. Their tips end in sharp, conspicuous black or dark brown spines.

    The Huachuca agave is one of the hardiest agave plants and can tolerate lower temperatures than many other varieties.

    It’s often used as an ornamental houseplant in gardens and landscaping, but it also makes a great addition to any indoor space.

    Related Article: Agave succulents and common varieties

    Botanical NameAgave parryi var. huachucensis
    Common NameHuachuca Agave, Artichoke Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginArizona, Texas, New Mexico
    MaintenanceLow
    Height1-2 feet
    Width4-5 feet
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorRed, Pink
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    ToxicityMildly-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)8-12

    Agave parryi var. huachucensis Care

    The Huachuca agave is a relatively easy plant to care for. It has a compact rosette form that is easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for people who are new to houseplants. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and remains that way for the entirety of its lifetime.

    Light

    The Huachuca agave needs bright light to thrive. It can grow in partial shade but be healthier and more colorful when given direct sun. Keep this plant away from windows that get direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day because it may burn or overheat.

    Soil

    The soil should be well-drained and sandy. Something like a cactus mix will do nicely. For increased drainage, you can also use general-purpose potting soil containing perlite or vermiculite.

    Keep the soil fast-draining because this plant does not like waterlogged soils.

    Water

    The Huachuca agave needs to be watered regularly. However, it does not like sitting in water for long periods, so ensure that you allow the potting medium to dry and lose water between watering sessions.

    Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and do not let more than ¼” of water accumulate in its pot. The Huachuca agave can also tolerate quite a bit of drought but will be healthier if it gets regular watering.

    Temperature and Humidity

    The Huachuca agave does best in warm temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can survive to as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods but will not thrive in cooler temperatures.

    Humidity should be kept at average levels, but the Agave can tolerate higher humidity levels as long as it is not sustained.

    Fertilizer

    Huachuca Agaves do not need frequent fertilization but should be given a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 every two to three months during active growth.

    Alternatively, low nitrogen fertilizers are formulated specifically for succulents and serve Agaves better.

    Agave Parryi Var. Huachucensis Cheat Sheet
    Agave parryi var. huachucensis cheat sheet (“Agave parryi var. huachucensis” by houroumono is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Pruning

    Huachuca Agaves do not need frequent pruning, but you can trim the plant back to make it more compact or remove dead or damaged leaves.

    Potting and Repotting Agave parryi var. huachucensis

    Agave parryi var. huachucensis is a slow-growing plant. Therefore, it is best to repot it every two to three years in an organic soil mixture that drains well and contains compost. Huachuca Agaves tend not to do well in pots, so avoid placing them indoors unless the container has a good amount of drainage holes and is sufficiently large.

    Spring is the best time to repot your Agave. This allows it plenty of time to establish itself in its new pot before summer’s heat arrives.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. Use a container with drainage holes allowing excess water to drain out of the soil, preventing root rot and other problems.
    • Prepare the soil. A mixture of one part organic potting soil and two parts coarse sand makes an excellent growing medium. This allows the soil to drain well while providing nutrients for your Agave’s growth.
    • Choose the spot. Agaves prefer full sun and an area that receives plenty of airflows.
    • Gather the tools. You’ll need a pair of scissors, a trowel or shovel, and gloves.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the Agave from its container and gently shake off excess soil. 
    2. Use your trowel or shovel to loosen the roots so they can spread out into the new potting soil. 
    3. Place the Agave in its new container with plenty of room for growth, but not so much that it becomes top-heavy.
    4. Fill in around the base with more potting soil until it’s about two inches from the rim of your container.
    5. Water your Agave thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage hole. 
    6. Place it in a warm, sunny spot and keep it well-watered as it establishes itself in its new home.

    Propagating Agave parryi var. huachucensis by Seeds (Step-by-Step)

    1. Collect seeds from a mature, open flower head and allow them to dry thoroughly on a paper towel or in a paper bag for several weeks.
    2. Place the dried seeds in a water container and leave overnight or longer until they swell up slightly.
    3. Plant the swollen seeds in a soil-less mix (vermiculite or perlite) or potting soil and keep them warm and well-watered until they germinate (2-3 months).

    Propagating Agave parryi var. huachucensis by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

    1. Separate offsets from the mother plant with a sharp knife or spade.
    2. Give the offset some time to callus over (about a week).
    3. Plant the offset in a pot of well-drained soil with plenty of inorganic materials to promote drainage.
    4. Water well and wait for the offset to grow. If the offset is large enough, it can also be planted directly into the ground.

    Blooms

    Agave parryi var. huachucensis is monocarpic, which means it will die after flowering. The flower stalk is between 15 and 20 feet tall, with a red-brown coloration. The flowers are yellow and appear in clusters.

    Offsets appear on the mother plant at the base of the flower stalk. The best time to take offsets is after the plant has flowered but before it dies.

    Related: Agave Vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave) Care Guide

    Toxicity

    Agave parryi var. huachucensis is mildly toxic. The sap irritates the skin and causes a rash. If ingested, it can cause mild gastrointestinal 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 Agave snout weevil can cause damage to the plant by eating its leaves and damaging the growing points. These pests are dark brown or black, with a curved snout-like mouth part used for feeding on plants. 

    They lay eggs throughout summer on new growth. The larvae that hatch burrow into the leaf tissue and feed on it until they are fully grown, then emerge as adults in autumn.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are small, immobile, and have soft bodies. They feed on plant sap and can cause great damage to succulents. There are two types of scale insects, one with hard shells that protect them from predators, while others that are soft-bodied.

    Slugs and Snails

    Slugs and snails are mollusks that can cause serious damage to your succulent plants. They nibble on the leaves and stems of your plants, leaving behind small holes in the tissue. Slugs are long, flat creatures with soft bodies, while snails are round with hard shells.

    AVOID

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

    Common Problems

    • Sunburn: Sunburn is another common problem when growing succulents. Avoiding direct, intense sunlight for extended periods would be best. This will help prevent sunburn.
    • Frost burn: Frost burn can occur when temperatures drop below freezing. It causes white patches on succulent leaves. You can prevent frost burn by protecting your plants with a cover or moving them indoors if there is a chance of frost.
    • Overwatering: One of the more common problems when growing succulents is overwatering. It would be best if you only watered your plants when they were dry to the touch and never left standing water in their pots.

    FAQ

    The lifespan of an Agave parryi var. huachucensis plant depends on when it will bloom. Blooming is infrequent but generally only occurs in plants over ten years of age. However, some plants live much longer without blooming.

    Agave parryi var. huachucensis can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 12.

    Yes, Agave parryi var. huachucensis plants only bloom once in their lives. The plant will die after it blooms.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
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    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.

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