Agave Geminiflora: Easy Guide For Caring and Propagation

Have you ever wished for a very low-maintenance succulent that can bring a desert vibe into your doors? Your answer is probably, Yes. As a gardener, finding a succulent requiring minimal care is like a treasure, Right? In this article, I am glad to inform you that we have found that treasure, especially for you, which is none other than a spectacular succulent, Agave geminiflora. 

Introduction

Agave Geminiflora is a perennial succulent native to Nayarit, Mexico where it is found growing in open oak woodland at an altitude of 1000-1400 metres receiving an average annual rainfall of 1000mm. Naturally, it remains scattered along the rocky arroyos or grassy ground. Scientifically, it is known as Agave geminiflora all around the globe. However, locally it is famous with different names such as Twin flowered agave, Spaghetti Strap, and Pin Cushion Agave. The plant is more popular as Twin flowered agave as the flowers bloom in pairs along its stalk. 

This agave is preferred for foliage beauty. The leaves often numbered 100-200 are narrow, dark green cascading from the center forming a perfect symmetrical rosette-like structure that works as a focal point in your garden. Young leaves keep arising from the centre of the rosette while older ones are at the periphery. The tips of leaves are somewhat pointy with rusty or brown color. Some varieties of Agave geminiflora like Raste Man possess slivery curly hairs at the edges of leaves giving an ornamental view to the plant. The nature of the leaves varies depending on the amount of light it gets. In outer and full sunlight conditions, the leaves remain somewhat stiff while they remain flexible and super pliable under shade. 

If you are looking to grow this agave for flowers, you might get a little upset as it blooms once in a lifetime of (10-15) years. That too is unsure as the proper light exposure is needed for flowering. 

A Quick Overview of this Agave is tabulated below:-

As a monocarpic succulent, it dies after flowering. If you get lucky enough to get to see the flowers, you will be mesmerized by their impeccable beauty. The flowers bloom in pairs directly on a long spike of 12 to 18 feet (6 meters) that arises from the centre. It doesn’t have any floral branches. The dark purpled flower bud transforms to Pale yellow or Greenish white tinged with pink or purple at the full bloom (Petals Opened) stage. The stigma (Female reproductive part) and filament ( Male reproductive part) are hued purple or reddish purple with large yellow anthers. The flowers are 5-6 cm in length. Flowering usually occurs during fall.

Img Credit: Ruth Garden

Despite being rare in nature, it is spreading rapidly among gardeners for its spiky ball-like appearance. This slow-growing succulent reaches a height of (2-3) ft and spreads (2-3) ft sideways giving somewhat a round look. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors in a large pot. Further, It is also well-suited for hanging baskets.

For some of you who are first-time plant owners and have experience in plant care, this can be the ultimate choice as it is easy to grow and care for with minimal effort. 

Botanical Classification 

USDA Growing Zone 

This agave can be easily grown in USDA hardiness zone 9-11 which occupies the areas with the hottest and most tropical climate in the US like Florida, Southern Louisiana, Texas, and California. This means that Agave geminiflora is best suited for warm climates and is susceptible to chilling and freezing conditions.

Read More: 25 Astonishing Variegated Succulents With Images

Special Features

The succulent is special on its own. However, It bears some characteristics which make it even more appealing:-

• Its cascading nature makes it perfect for hanging baskets.
• This agave blooms once in a lifetime.
• It dies after the completion of flowering.
• It is Round and symmetrical.
• Unlike other agave, it is free from thrones and safe to touch.

Is it Poisonous? 

Yes, Agave geminiflora is toxic due to the presence of oxalates which can lead to irritation, skin rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested. So, Make sure to keep your children, cats, and dog away from eating this plant. However, Touching it or going near this plant isn’t injurious. 

Agave Geminiflora Care 

A Quick Overview of Caring for Agave Geminiflora is tabulated below:-

The detailed overview for caring this plant is explained below:-

Light

As a desert plant, it prefers full to filtered sunlight. Complete shade should be avoided. If kept indoors, Place it near the windows receiving plenty of sunlight preferably, south facing windows. Full shade reduces its growth, leaves colour fades away and flowering is prevented. Further, the nature of leaves also changes depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. Full sunlight makes leaves a bit stiff while shade conditions change leaves to a softer side.

Temperature

Agave geminiflora grows best under warm temperatures. Being adapted to the desert climate, it can easily withstand higher temperatures without wilting or burning. On the contrary, It is a freezing-sensitive plant and can’t withstand a temperature below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. So, It is better to grow in a portable container and shift indoors during winter or cold seasons. Chilling or freezing injury leads to the development of a reddish hue on leaves.

Soil

It can be grown in a wide range of soils but performs well in Sandy, Gritty, or Rocky soils. One thing to keep in mind is that the soil should be well draining and stagnation of water should be avoided as it may cause the rotting of roots. There should be a draining hole if planted in the pot. You can make a soil mix for this Agave by mixing the sand, soil, and vermicompost in a ratio of 6:2:2. 

Water 

Major plus point while growing Agve geminiflora is you don’t need to worry about watering as it grows very well under minimal moisture also. During summer, Watering should be done every 15-20 days and no watering is needed during summer and rainy seasons. It is better to keep it indoors during rainy seasons as too much water can lead to stress on the plant. In the present world where focus is given to water conservation, this plant can be a better choice for gardeners.

Humidity

Much humidity isn’t required for this plant. Light misting during summer is good for proper foliage growth. Too much humidity accompanied by high temperatures favors fungal infection. Ideal humidity ranges from (40-60)%. 

Fertilizer 

It isn’t much demanding plant. The addition of slow-releasing fertilizer once a year is enough to supply the required nutrients. Further, the Addition of vermicompost during soil mix preparation is good for plant growth.

Potting and Repotting

Repotting should be done every 2-3 years when the plant goes into root-bound condition. One of the easiest ways to find out if the plant needs repotting or not is to look at the drainage hole of the pot. If the roots are coming out of the hole, then the plant needs repotting. The new pot should be slightly larger than the original one and proper soil mix should be added to it before transplanting. Repotting should be done during the fall season.

Training and Pruning

As a slow-growing Agave, it doesn’t require much pruning. However, It is always better to remove large and yellow leaves. Pruning can be done during the time of repotting. Root pruning during the repotting time prevents it to grow very large.

Read More: String of Frogs: Complete Guide For Growing and Care 

Propagation  

Propagation of Agave geminiflora is quite difficult as it produces seeds once every 10-15 years, and offsets are formed rarely. Sometimes the older leaves of plants produce offsets that can be transferred into the potting mix, and new plants will be ready within a few months. The seeds form after flowering that can be used for propagation. As these processes are tedious and take a long time, we recommend you get a new plant directly from a nursery or any other source. 

Price 

The price differs according to the source of purchase. It also varies according to the age and diameter of the plant. The average price of Agave geminiflora in the USA varies according to the diameter size that is listed below:

Pests and Diseases

Pros and Cons

Final Words 

To sum up, Agave geminiflora is an amazing low-care plant that beautifies your garden for a long period. You can add this plant if you are busy, and want to use less water. 

FAQS