Are you looking for a guide on caring for and growing Agave parryi var. truncata? If so, we have you covered.
Learn tips and tricks to grow this beautiful succulent plant from soil to water and sunlight.
in this article:
About Agave parryi var. truncata
The Artichoke Agave is a striking inhabitant of rocky hillsides and mountains. It is native to western Texas and northern Mexico.
It features silver-gray leaves that are very thick and lined with sharp, slightly bent spines and a prominent terminal spine.
The leaves grow from the center of the plant outward, giving it the appearance of an artichoke (hence its common name). It is a slow-growing agave that can take up to 20 years to flower.
This succulent is a common ornamental plant frequently used as an accent plant in gardens and for landscaping, but it also makes a great indoor plant for those who want to grow Agave indoors.
Related Article: Different types of Agave succulents and common varieties
| Botanical Name | Agave parryi var. truncata |
| Common Name | Artichoke Agave |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Arizona, Texas, New Mexico |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Width | 2-3 feet |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom season | Summer |
| Bloom color | Yellow, Orange |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought |
| Toxicity | Mildly-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 8-12 |
Agave parryi var. truncata Care
Agave parryi var. truncata is a very low-maintenance plant. It requires minimal care, as long as it has plenty of light and warmth.
Light
Agave parryi var. truncata requires bright light. It will do well in a south- or west-facing window, but it will also grow if placed under artificial lighting such as fluorescent bulbs or LED lights.
Bright, direct sunlight is recommended for the best results, but light shade is also acceptable.
Soil
Artichoke Agave likes well-drained soil that doesn’t stay wet for long periods. You can mix perlite with the soil to improve drainage or place your Agave in a container with holes so that excess water can drain out of the bottom.
Water
Agave parryi var. truncata requires little water and should be kept on the dry side. Water your Agave when the soil has dried out completely, but avoid letting it sit in water for long periods.
Temperature and Humidity
Agave parryi var. truncata is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 12, but it can also be grown indoors in colder parts. Keep your plant between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 40 to 60 percent.
The Artichoke Agave does not like cold temperatures, so you should not place it in a drafty area. Instead, it prefers to be kept at room temperature or slightly warmer.
Fertilizer
The Artichoke Agave does not require much fertilizer. Still, it can be fertilized monthly from spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release granular fertilizer to promote faster growth.
Pruning
The Artichoke Agave is a slow-growing plant that does not require pruning, but it should be trimmed if it begins to look unkempt. Trim off the dead leaves around the outer rim to get a cleaner-looking agave.
Potting and Repotting Agave parryi var. truncata
Artichoke Agave is a hardy plant that you can repot as needed. If the plant is growing too large for its container, repot it into a larger one.
However, remember to only repot during the warmer months, from spring through fall.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from its current container. Use a trowel to remove as much old soil as possible without disturbing roots.
- Fill the container with new soil, leaving 2-3 inches of space at the top.
- Using your fingers, gently place the rootball in the new pot until it’s secure in its new home.
- Water well and wait for the Agave to become established.
Propagating Agave parryi var. truncata by Offsets (Step-by-Step)
Agave parryi var. truncata is a slow-growing plant that routinely gives off offsets or suckers.
It’s best to propagate by offsets because they will produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
- Remove the offsets from the parent plant. You can do this by gently pinching them off at ground level or cutting them off with a sharp knife.
- Allow the offsets to dry out for 24 hours. This will allow them to become hard and easier to root.
- Place the offset in the preselected pot filled with cactus soil mix or a 50/50 blend of potting soil and coarse sand.
- Water well so that the potting medium is moist but not waterlogged.
Blooms
Agave parryi var. truncata is monocarpic, which means that it will only bloom once in its lifetime. The flower stalk can grow up to 15 feet tall, and the blooms are a gorgeous yellow and appear in clusters atop the stalk.
New offsets appear around this time, and as the main rosette dies, they take its place and continue the culture, even without human intervention.
Toxicity
The sap of the Agave parryi var. truncata is slightly toxic, just like all other agaves. It will cause intense irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes, so wear protective clothing when handling this plant.
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 is a common pest of agaves, including the Agave parryi var. truncata. It has a snout-like projection on its head that looks like a horn. This insect lays eggs inside of an agave plant, and when they hatch, they begin eating their way through the flesh of the leaves until they reach maturity in about three weeks.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are another common pest of agaves and can be found on the Agave parryi var. truncata. They appear as small, hard bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. These insects secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and other pests that prey on them.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are other common pests of agaves. These pests eat the succulent plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers and can cause serious damage if not controlled.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
Common Problems
How To Grow Artichoke Agave (Agave parryi var. truncata) (Video)