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!
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:
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 Name | Agave parryi var. huachucensis |
| Common Name | Huachuca Agave, Artichoke Agave |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Arizona, Texas, New Mexico |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Width | 4-5 feet |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom season | Summer |
| Bloom color | Red, Pink |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought |
| Toxicity | Mildly-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.
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
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the Agave from its container and gently shake off excess soil.
- Use your trowel or shovel to loosen the roots so they can spread out into the new potting soil.
- Place the Agave in its new container with plenty of room for growth, but not so much that it becomes top-heavy.
- Fill in around the base with more potting soil until it’s about two inches from the rim of your container.
- Water your Agave thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage hole.
- 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)
- 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.
- Place the dried seeds in a water container and leave overnight or longer until they swell up slightly.
- 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)
- Separate offsets from the mother plant with a sharp knife or spade.
- Give the offset some time to callus over (about a week).
- Plant the offset in a pot of well-drained soil with plenty of inorganic materials to promote drainage.
- 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.
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
