Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - June 17, 2009

From: Lake Jackson, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Cacti and Succulents
Title: Life span of the century plant (Agave spp.)
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a beautiful century plant that is blooming. what will happen once the bloom is done? What is the life span of the plant?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants has answered this, or a similar, question several times so 'he' would like to refer you to some of those answers where you can learn more about Agave americana (American century plant), or Agave spp., and their life cycles.  Please see the following questions and their answers:  #4082, #3424, #1427, and #648.  You can find even more information by typing in "century plant" in the Keyword Search slot on the Ask Mr. Smarty Plants page.

 

 

More Cacti and Succulents Questions

Eliminating prickly pear
March 24, 2007 - What is best practice for eliminating 100+ acres of dense prickly pear?
view the full question and answer

Suitable container plants for Austin
October 23, 2012 - Hi, I see some info on native house plants, but not much. I live in an apartment that doesn't get much direct sun (maybe 2 hours a day) -- is there anything for me native-wise (Austin) if I have to h...
view the full question and answer

Preserving century plant bloom stalk from Sedona AZ
December 16, 2012 - I have the flower stalk from a century plant which I am using as a Christmas tree. Can you advise me as to what I should do to preserve it for future use? Should it be kept indoors or outdoors. Pro...
view the full question and answer

Loss of agaves to freezing weather in Austin
March 04, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: I live in Austin and lost all my agaves in the subfreezing weather this winter. Around town, I've noticed some agaves that seemed to tolerate the cold just fine and other tha...
view the full question and answer

Central Texas plant to grow in cavity in cedar (Juniperus ashei)
February 27, 2010 - Is there a CenTX native that would be happy in a one-gallon cavity in a Cedar tree? I'd like to disguise an amputated limb. I'd consider a Bromeliad or Staghorn fern, but would prefer a native.
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.