Agave macroacantha aka Black-Spined Agave

General Care for Agave macroacantha aka Black-Spined Agave

Agave macroacantha, commonly known as Black-Spined Agave, is a striking addition to rock gardens or hanging baskets. As it matures, it spreads out into a small shrub, adding both texture and structure to your garden.

Watering

Black-Spined Agave has typical watering needs for a succulent. The soak and dry method is best, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

Black-Spined Agave isn’t cold-hardy, so if your area experiences temperatures below 30°F (-1.1°C), it’s best to plant it in a container that you can bring indoors. This succulent thrives in full to partial sun, so aim for a spot in your garden that gets about 6 hours of sunlight daily. Indoors, place it near a south-facing window for optimal sunlight if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere.

How to Propagate Agave macroacantha aka Black-Spined Agave

Propagation can be done through division or offsets.

Division

To propagate by division, split the rhizome with a sharp knife, ensuring each section has plenty of roots. Allow the divided sections to callous over for a day or two before replanting. Note that Black-spined Agave has toxic sap and sharp spines along the stem, so handle with care.

Offsets

For propagation from offsets, use a sterile, sharp knife or scissors to remove an offset from the main plant. Let the offset callous for several days before planting it in well-draining soil.