Caribbean Agave baby plant cutting with roots
Agave angustifolia, also known as the Caribbean agave, is a succulent plant native to Mexico and Central America. It's a popular ornamental plant and is also used to make mezcal. The Agave angustifolia var. marginata, also known as the variegated Caribbean agave, is a striking variety with variegated leaves and large size. It's a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in sun or shade and is also tolerant of deer and the seacoast.
Here are some characteristics of the Caribbean agave:
Size: Can grow up to 4 ft tall and wide
Leaves: Green with white margins
Flowers: Pale yellow to white tubular blooms that appear once every 10 years on a panicle flower spike
Fruit: Oval and brown, measuring 1–3 in
The Caribbean agave can be planted in full sun to partial shade in a protected area. It's susceptible to freezing temperatures in the low to mid twenties Fahrenheit, so supplemental irrigation may be needed during hot, dry summers. When potted in a 5 in pot and not getting direct sunlight, it needs 0.8 cups of water every 12 days.