Century plant (Agave americana) is a succulent member of the agave family capable of growing up to 7 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The plant is characterized by blueish, sharply pointed leaves and an enormous flower stalk, which can reach heights of up to 30 feet. Available cultivars include Marginata, a narrow-leafed variety that boasts yellow stripes, and Medica picta, a white-striped variety.
A native of the Mexican highlands, century plant is well suited to deserts and Mediterranean climates. As a landscape plant, century plant may be grown outdoors in USDA zones 8B to 11. The plant requires full sunlight to thrive, though it is more tolerant of partial shade than many similar plants.
Century plant is not picky about soil, so long as it is extremely well draining. A sandy, rocky or gravelly infertile soil is ideal. The plant will also grow in shallow soils. Century plant is exceptionally drought tolerant and does fine with natural rainfall. Supplemental watering can boost growth if given sparingly, about once a month during the summer.
Century plant may be grown from seed, though it will take 10 to 15 years from germination time before it flowers. Sow seeds in a sunny greenhouse, using a well draining soil mixture. Seeds may take up to three months to germinate. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, move them to individual pots and allow the plants to get to a height of at least 10 inches before transplanting outdoors in the late spring or summer. Century plant may also be propagated by transplanting the offsets, or "pups," of a mature plant.
The leaves of the century plant are tipped with a sharp, unforgiving spine that can puncture clothing. The plant can get quite large, which can be a hazard if the plant is grown near a walkway or entryway. Some people may have an allergic reaction if they come into contact with the fresh sap of the plant, so use gardening gloves when handling leaves.
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