Century plant - Agave vivipara (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images)

Century plant

Century plant is characterized by its rosette of thick, fleshy leaves with pointed tips, which help retain water in its arid native habitat. These leaves also feature a distinct pattern of teeth along the margins. Century plant's survival strategy includes producing offsets and viviparous bulbils on its flower stalk, which upon maturing, drop to the ground to root and grow into new plants. This adaptability makes it a hardy species in challenging environments.

Scientific classification

Species

Century plant (Agave vivipara)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent

Plant Type

Images of Century plant

Distribution of Century plant

Distribution Map

Century plant is natively found in Central America and parts of South America, flourishing in a range of environments within these major regions. Outside its native locale, century plant has established a presence in parts of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa, indicative of its adaptive resilience. Particularly in the Caribbean, century plant is sometimes thought to be a species that may have an impact on ecosystems, but widespread cultivation specifics have not been provided.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Care Guide for Century plant

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Century plant thrives in a dry environment and requires proper watering, allowing excess to drain. Signs of dehydration include soft leaves. Increase watering during summer and reduce in fall. In winter, stop watering if temperatures drop to 10℃ (50℉) until spring, when it's above 20℃ (68℉).

Fertilize: Fertilize century plant monthly during the growing season (spring to summer) using a 3:3:2 nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium ratio. Opt for low-concentration liquid or compound fertilizers. Avoid fertilization in late fall and early winter as century plant may enter dormancy and its growth will slow.

Pruning: Century plant features a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves and thrives with early spring pruning. Cut dead or damaged leaves at the base for better air circulation and health. Pruning aids in size management and removing offsets for propagation, enhancing the plant's appearance.

Propagation: Century plant is a hardy succulent easily propagated by division. Use sharp, sterilized tools to separate offshoots, allowing them to callous for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Ensure adequate moisture for root establishment, avoiding the risk of rot.

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