Description
- Common names:
- Twin Flower Agave, Twin Flowered Agave, Agave de Flor Gemela, Gemini Agave
- Botanical name:
- Agave geminiflora
- Description:
- A striking succulent forming dense rosettes of narrow, thread-like leaves. Produces a spectacular 9-12 foot flower stalk with twin candelabra stems bearing yellow and reddish-purple blooms.
Features
- Rarity:
- Uncommon Find
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Mildly Toxic if Ingested (use caution)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Architectural, Rosette, Flowering, Upright
- Origin:
- Mexico
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Modern, Minimalist, Xeriscaping, Rock Garden, Patio Container, Desert Garden, Southwestern Style, Focal Point Plant
Care Guide
Care level:
Easy Care+
This drought-tolerant succulent is forgiving and requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for busy plant owners. It thrives on neglect and only needs occasional attention.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Thrives in bright, indirect light near a south or west-facing window, but can also tolerate some direct sun. Insufficient light will cause slow growth and loss of the compact rosette form.
Water:
Drought Tolerant+
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings (check that the top 3-4 inches are dry). Overwatering is the main cause of root rot in agaves, so err on the side of underwatering.
Humidity:
Low / Average Humidity+
Prefers low to average humidity levels (30-50%) and thrives in dry conditions typical of most homes. No special humidity measures are needed, making it ideal for arid climates.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-29°C / 65-85°F and can tolerate higher temperatures. Protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C / 50°F, and avoid cold drafts from windows or air conditioning.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 9-11+
Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 where it can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler zones, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter or kept as a permanent houseplant.
Fertilizing:
Light Feeder+
Feed sparingly with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer or cactus fertilizer once or twice during the growing season (spring-summer). Agaves have minimal fertilizer needs and can thrive without regular feeding.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years or when roots become tightly bound and grow through drainage holes. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix and a pot with excellent drainage.
Cleaning:
Dust Occasionally+
Gently remove accumulated dust from the narrow leaves occasionally using a soft brush or by rinsing outdoors with water. Be careful of the sharp leaf tips when handling.
Propagation:
By Seed+
Primarily propagated by seed after the spectacular flowering event, though the parent plant dies after blooming (monocarpic). Offsets (pups) may occasionally form at the base and can be carefully separated and replanted.