Large-thorned agave (Agave macroacantha)

Large-thorned agave (Agave macroacantha) is a plant of succulent leaves that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Large-thorned agave (Agave macroacantha).

This plant is commonly known as large-thorned agave.

This is a evergreen plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: large-thorned agave
Scientific name: Agave macroacantha
Plant type: Cactus / Succulent, Conservatory & Greenhouse
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Architectural, Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Drought resistant, RHS Award of Garden Merit

Seasonal colors

How to plant Large-thorned agave (Agave macroacantha) – Ruthven, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cacti and succulent plants are appreciated for their natural charm, mainly for their leaf shapes, but also in some cases for their colorful flowers in spring and summer.

They should be cultivated in areas that mimic the conditions in which they grow in nature, which are usually exposed places with stony and fast-draining soils.

These characteristics make them to be grown in pots.

How to plant

In this section we will learn how to plant Large-thorned agave (Agave macroacantha), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

Large-thorned agave (Agave macroacantha) is a plant that grows in sand conditions. As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.

Regarding drainage, Agave macroacantha likes to grow in well drained soil.

Sunlight

Large-thorned agave (Agave macroacantha) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Large-thorned agave (Agave macroacantha) – Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons