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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Agave sisalana

sisal hemp

An evergreen succulent, with a short thick stem and a rosette of sword-shaped, grey-green leaves up to 1.5m long, tipped with red-brown spines. Mature plants may produce a tall spike with branching clusters of small yellow-green flowers, after which the rosette dies off, although bulbils are sometimes produced on the flower stem. This species is used in commercial production of sisal fibre

Other common names
Bahama hemp
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Green Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Agave can be perennial or monocarpic succulents, forming rosettes of usually rigid, fleshy, spiny-edged leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles often much taller than the rosettes

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in cactus compost, water freely when in growth, but keep almost dry over winter. Apply a dilute, liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times during the growing season. Can be moved to a sunny spot outdoors in summer, but needs to overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory (min 10°C). See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by removing offsets in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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