Agave attenuatais a highly popular succulent that await equally impressive in pots and garden . Unlike most Agaves , it is harmless , realize it a pop choice for those who want to avoid thorny plant life . The originalspecimenswere collect by Henri Guillaume Galeotti ( 1814 - 1858 ) , a French - Belgian phytologist , from an unspecified fix in key Mexico and air to Kew Gardens in 1834 .

Agave attenuataSalm - Dyck

Dragon Tree Agave , Elephant ’s Trunk , Fox Tail , Fox Tail Agave , Gooseneck Succulent , Lion ’s Tail , mild - leave alone Agave , Spineless Century Plant , Swan - cervix Agave , Swan ’s Neck

Agave attenuata, commonly known as Fox Tail Agave

In cultivation, Ventura County, California, United States. Photo by Nitz Ulsano. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Agave attenuatasubsp.attenuata

Family : AsparagaceaeSubfamily : AgavoideaeGenus : Agave

The specific epithet " attenuata "   ( sound out at - ten - yoo - AY - tuh ) means " thinned , reduced , attenuated ; weakened , diminished " and denote to the gradual reduction of the leaf of this coinage as they sharpen to a sylphlike power point .

Agave attenuata, commonly known as Fox Tail Agave

Development of the inflorescence. In cultivation, Lagoa, Portugal. Photo by Tom Pal. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Agave attenuatais native to the plateau of centralMexico . It come about in the state of Jalisco , Michoacán , and Mexico , where it grow in small colony on rocky outcrops in pine forests at elevations ranging from 6,230 to 8,200 foot ( 1,900 to 2,500 m ) .

Agave attenuatais a beautifulsucculentthat contour largerosettesof piano , flexible leaves with no dentition and terminal spines . The rosettes grow on top of a uncompromising stem that can reach heights of up to ( 1.2 m ) . They can originate up to 5 foot ( 1.5 m ) in diameter and spring a cone shape in the center . The leaf vary in gloss , swan from xanthous - super C to patrician - green or gray - green . They can measure up to 28 in ( 70 cm ) long and 6 inch ( 15 cm ) wide and taper to a soft point that frays with long time . As the plant matures , older farewell fall off , make the stems more visible .

The common name " Fox Tail Agave " bear on to the impressive arching shuck of yellow flowers that emerge from the ripe little potato in summer . The heyday stalk can grow up to 10 foot ( 3 m ) long and usually appear when the plant is about ten years honest-to-god . After efflorescence , the rosette dies but producesbulbilson theinflorescenceandoffsetsaround the base , often forming a colony of rosettes .

Agave attenuata, commonly known as Fox Tail Agave

Inflorescences. In cultivation, Funchal, Portugal. Derivative of a photo byJean Audissou. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

lighting : Agave attenuatagrows well in full sunshine to partial shade . If you are keep it indoors , grade it near a sunny window . From spring to fall , it enjoys being outdoors .

Soil : This plant can bear most soil as long asit has just drain . However , it thrives in stain that is sandy or bumpy .

Temperature : During the growing season , Agave attenuataprefers warm and cooler temperatures while resting in winter . It rise best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones9b to 11b , with intermediate minimal wintertime temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 ° fluorine ( -3.9 to 10 ° century ) .

Agave attenuata, commonly known as Fox Tail Agave

Flowers. In cultivation, Lagoa, Portugal. Photo by Tom Pal. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Watering : To keep this plant healthy , water it thoroughly when the dirt becomes dry from spring to fall . In wintertime , water supply it meagerly , about once a month . A plant in a container will require more frequent watering than a flora in the ground .

Fertilizing : In the spring , during the first two years , give the works a small-scale amount of fertiliser . OnceAgave attenuatais establish , it will take attention of itself , and you no longer need to fertilize it .

Repotting : If you notice the plant is becoming potentiometer - bound , repot it with brisk grease in a new plenty somewhat tumid than the old one . After repotting , give the plant life a calendar week or so to readapt before you water it again .

Agave attenuata, commonly known as Fox Tail Agave

In cultivation, Ventura County, California, United States. Photo by Nitz Ulsano. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Propagation : Since it can take years to get seeds , this plant is usually propagate by offset .

Learn more atHow to Grow and give care for Agave .

Agave attenuatais non - toxic to human race , but the fool of the leaves and inflorescence may be mildly poisonous to children and pets .

Agave attenuata, commonly known as Fox Tail Agave

In cultivation, Rimini, Italy. Photo by Cesare Brancaleoni. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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Agave attenuata, commonly known as Fox Tail Agave

Offsets. In cultivation, Lagoa, Portugal. Photo by Tom Pal. Used with permission. All rights reserved.