Genus guide
Agave — 48 species
Part of the Dracaenas, snake plants & spider plants family (Asparagaceae)
Agave is a dramatic rosette-forming genus native to arid regions of Mexico and the American Southwest, showcasing thick, spine-tipped leaves that range from the bold Agave americana to the precisely patterned Agave victoriae-reginae. All species demand full sun — a minimum of six hours of direct light daily — and exceptional drainage; water roughly every two weeks during the growing season and just once a month in winter, always allowing soil to dry out completely. All Agave species are toxic to cats and dogs: the sap contains oxalate crystals and saponins that cause oral irritation, vomiting, and skin inflammation.
All Agave species we cover
- Agave americana
- Agave americana 'Marginata'
- Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba'
- Agave angustifolia
- Agave attenuata
- Agave attenuata 'Boutin Blue'
- Agave bovicornuta
- Agave bracteosa
- Agave chrysantha
- Agave colorata
- Agave deserti
- Agave difformis
- Agave filifera
- Agave geminiflora
- Agave guiengola
- Agave havardiana
- Agave isthmensis
- Agave lechuguilla
- Agave lophantha
- Agave macroacantha
- Agave marmorata
- Agave mitis
- Agave montana
- Agave multifilifera
- Agave nickelsiae
- Agave nizandensis
- Agave ovatifolia
- Agave palmeri
- Agave parrasana
- Agave parryi
- Agave parryi 'Truncata'
- Agave parryi var. truncata
- Agave pelona
- Agave potatorum
- Agave schidigera
- Agave shrevei
- Agave sobria
- Agave striata
- Agave stricta
- Agave tequilana
- Agave titanota
- Agave toumeyana
- Agave utahensis
- Agave victoriae-reginae
- Agave victoriae-reginae 'Compacta'
- Agave vilmoriniana
- Agave xylonacantha
- Agave zebra
Agave — frequently asked questions
Are Agave plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Agave are not pet-safe. Of the 48 Agave species in the Growli library, 48 (100%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 0 are pet-safe. Always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.
How much light do Agave plants need?
Most Agave do best in direct sun. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Agave easy to care for?
Some Agave suit more experienced growers — several want strong light, sharp drainage or a specific seasonal rhythm. Check the individual species page for the exact regime.
How many Agave varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 48 Agave species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Agave, the rest follow closely.