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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Agave Parryi Var. Truncata (Artichoke Agave): Growing and Care Guide

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

    By Milo MasonOctober 26, 2022
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    Are you looking for a guide on caring for and growing Agave parryi var. truncata? If so, we have you covered.

    Agave Parryi Var. Truncata
    Agave parryi var. truncata (“File:Ագաւէ.JPG” by Chaojoker is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    Learn tips and tricks to grow this beautiful succulent plant from soil to water and sunlight.

    in this article:

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

    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 NameAgave parryi var. truncata
    Common NameArtichoke Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginArizona, Texas, New Mexico
    MaintenanceLow
    Height1-2 feet
    Width2-3 feet
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorYellow, Orange
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    ToxicityMildly-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.

    Agave Parryi Var. Truncata Cheat Sheet
    Agave parryi var. truncata cheat sheet (“Artichoke Agave (Agave parryi var. truncata), Chicago Botanic Garden” by Dallas Krentzel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    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

    • Prepare the pot. Choose a container at least 2 inches larger than the current one. Terracotta pots are porous, allowing them to drain well and make great containers for succulent plants.
    • Prepare the soil. If you are using new soil, mix in perlite to help drainage. Store-bought cactus/succulent mixes are fine too.
    • Choose the spot. The plant should be placed in an area with bright light for at least 4 hours daily.
    • Gather the tools. You will need a trowel, pruning shears, scissors, and a spray bottle filled with water.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its current container. Use a trowel to remove as much old soil as possible without disturbing roots.
    2. Fill the container with new soil, leaving 2-3 inches of space at the top.
    3. Using your fingers, gently place the rootball in the new pot until it’s secure in its new home.
    4. 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.

    1. 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.
    2. Allow the offsets to dry out for 24 hours. This will allow them to become hard and easier to root.
    3. Place the offset in the preselected pot filled with cactus soil mix or a 50/50 blend of potting soil and coarse sand.
    4. Water well so that the potting medium is moist but not waterlogged.
    Agave Parryi Var. Truncata Close Up
    Agave parryi var. truncata close up (“Artichoke Agave (Agave parryi var. truncata), Chicago Botanic Garden” by Dallas Krentzel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    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.

    Related: How to Care and Grow Agave Franzosinii (Majestic Agave)

    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

    • Frost burn: Like sunburn, frost burn can damage your Agave. It is especially dangerous during the winter months when temperatures drop below freezing. If it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours or more, you may notice whitened or discolored areas on the leaves of your plants.
    • Sunburn: Sunburn is another common problem for agaves. These plants are not accustomed to the harsh sun of desert environments and can be damaged by too much exposure. Protect your Agave by placing it in a shady area or putting up some shade cloth over it during the hotter parts of the day.
    • Overwatering: Overwatering can cause the Agave’s roots to rot and die. This is especially true if the plant receives too much water at once or if its drainage holes become clogged. To avoid this problem, ensure you water your plants only when they are dry on top of their soil and never let them sit in standing water.

    How To Grow Artichoke Agave (Agave parryi var. truncata) (Video)

    FAQ

    Agave parryi var. truncata remain moderate-sized, with a maximum height of about 2 feet and a spread of about 3 feet.

    An average Artichoke Agave takes about ten years (10) to reach maturity and begin flowering.

    Yes, Agave parryi var. truncata will eventually flower. Once they begin to bloom, you’ll notice a tall flower stalk emerging from the center of the rosette. Unfortunately, the plant dies after flowering.

    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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