Agave attenuata - Foxtail Agave

Description Light/Soil/Water Hardiness The Agave attenuata, commonly known as the Foxtail Agave, is the "gentle giant" of the succulent world. The foliage is a beautiful pale seafoam green to silvery-blue, and unlike most Agaves, it is completely thornless. As it matures, it develops a thick, sturdy trunk that can lift the rosette several feet off the ground, giving it a palm-like appearance. It is native to the high-altitude plateaus of central Mexico. In its natural habitat, it often grows on rocky cliffs, which is why it has developed such a sculptural, cascading growth habit. The plant earns its nickname "Foxtail" from its extraordinary bloom. After many years, it produces a massive, 5-to-10-foot-tall flower spike that curves gracefully toward the ground before arching back up, resembling a fluffy fox’s tail. It is covered in thousands of tiny, greenish-yellow blossoms. While the main plant dies after blooming, it almost always leaves behind a cluster of "pups" at the base to carry on its legacy. Prefers bright, indirect light to full sun. Requires well-draining soil. A sandy or gravelly cactus mix is ideal. It is more tolerant of different soil types than other Agaves, provided the drainage is good. Low to moderate. While drought-tolerant, it enjoys slightly more frequent watering than desert Agaves Feed lightly once or twice during the growing season with a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer. Overfeeding can cause leggy growth and weaken the plant. Mildly toxic if ingested. The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation or mouth pain if chewed by pets. Zone 4–9