Agave parryi (Mescal Agave) Plant

Description

Agave parryi, commonly known as Parry’s agave or mescal agave, is a species of succulent plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is highly regarded for its striking appearance and its ability to thrive in arid environments.

Agave parryi forms a compact rosette of thick, fleshy, blue-gray to silver-gray leaves. This attractive slow-growing agave features a darkened spike at the tip of each bluish grey leaf. The fleshy leaves form a dense rosette growing up to 1m in diameter, in ideal conditions. Typically, the rosettes grow to 30-60cm tall and wide.

The plant is monocarpic, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime, producing a tall flower stalk (up to 6 metres). The flowers are yellow to reddish and attract pollinators such as bats, hummingbirds, and bees.

This species is one of the agaves traditionally used to produce mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage. Indigenous peoples have used Agave parryi for food, fiber, and beverages. The heart of the plant can be roasted to make a sweet, nutritious food.

 

• Common name.

Maguey; American Aloe

 

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Divided Plant

 

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Agave parryi is a tolerant plant, it can be placed in direct sunlight or shade and requires minimal watering.  It thrives in highly porous, sandy potting soil, and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Repotting annually in the spring is recommended.

Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base with gloves and long sleeves (spines are sharp!). Remove offsets (“pups”) from the base to control spread or replant them.

Pests and Diseases: Agave parryi are generally low-maintenance but can be affected by Agave snout weevil (borers into the base), Mealybugs or scale insects on leaves. Ensure good airflow and drainage to prevent rot or infestations.

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: We recommend and use Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. We also stock an Australian Made liquid indoor fertiliser The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food which is easy to use and odourless.

 

 

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

 

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

 

 

Interested in Agave’s? Have a look at our other products

Agave parryi var. huachucensis ‘Wakefield’ (Giant Huachuca Agave) Seed

Agave tequilana (Blue Agave) Plant

Agave victoriae-reginae subsp. victoriae-reginae (Queen Victoria Agave) Seed

 

 

 

*Traditional uses and general information on products are provided for educational purposes only. We do not make any therapeutic claims. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.