Agave mitis (Mitis Agave) – Succulent plants

Agave mitis (Mitis Agave) is an ornamental succulent plant. It forms rosettes of blue-green to yellow-green, fleshy leaves up to 60 cm long. The leaves have soft brown spines not nearly as imposing as those of other Agaves. The flowering stalk is up to 2.4 m tall, with the flowers closely appressed against the stem, forming a narrow column much more compact than most other species of the genus. The flowers are green, each up to 6 cm long.

Scientific Classification:

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave

Scientific Name: Agave mitis Mart.
Synonyms: Agave mitis var. mitis, Agave botterii, Agave bouchei, Agave celsiana, Agave celsii, Agave densiflora, Agave haseloffii, Agave micracantha, Agave oblongata, Agave rupicola
Common Names: Mitis Agave, Mitis Century Plant

How to grow and maintain Agave mitis (Mitis Agave):

Light:
It thrives best in full sun to light shade. A south or south-east facing window works great.

Soil:
It prefers to grow in well-drained soil. Use standard succulent or cacti potting mix.

Temperature:
It prefers warm spring and summer temperatures 70ºF/21ºC – 90ºF/32ºC and cooler fall and winter temperatures 50ºF/10ºC – 60ºF/15ºC.

Water:
In spring, water this plant when the top inch of soil is totally dry. Don’t let the soil become completely dry. In the winter and fall, when growth is suspended, water very lightly. Too much water can cause root rot or cause the leaves to become pale and flop.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize with a standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks during spring and summer. Do not feed during fall and winter.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated from offshoots which is the fastest and most reliable method of agave plant production. Agave plants put out offshoots from the base of the mother plants that are easily removed to begin a new plant. Growing agave from seed produces a large number of plants quickly. A moist, sterile soil mix containing equal parts perlite and sphagnum peat is ideal for germinating seeds in a warm location with indirect light. The soil must stay lightly moist until the plants are established. A clear plastic covering helps keep the soil moist during the two to three weeks until the seeds sprout, then a daily misting keeps the seedlings moist until ready to transplant.

Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for mealybugs and scale.