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

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 .

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 .

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 ) .

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 .

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 .

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