Henequen (Agave fourcroydes) – Succulent plants

Henequen (Agave fourcroydes) is an attractive, monocarpic, rosette form succulent plant. The plant stalk is up to 6 feet in the wild, averages about 3 feet under cultivation. Its grayish-green, lance-shaped leaves, up to 6 feet long and up to 6 inches wide at the widest point, grow directly from the stalk, forming a dense rosette. The leaves are edged with sharp teeth and have a sharp terminal spine. The flower stalk, up to 20 feet tall, bears sterile, greenish-white flowers, up to 3 inches wide. Like other Agave species, the plant dies after flowering. The bloom stalk produces bulbils that can be planted, but commercial propagation is usually done by removing and replanting the clonal pups from the base of the plant stalk.

Scientific Classification:

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave

Scientific Name: Agave fourcroydes Lem.
Synonyms: Agave fourcroydes var. espiculata, Agave rigida var. elongata, Agave sullivanii
Common Names: Henequen, Henequen Agave, White Henequen, Yucatan Sisal, Cuban Sisal, Sisal Hemp

How to grow and maintain Henequen (Agave fourcroydes):

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.