Tuberose
Agave amica · Asparagaceae
📷 JDP90 (Joydeep) · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around tuberose and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Agave amica
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Type
- Succulent
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- July to August
- Adult height
- Up to 150 cm
- Hardiness
- Warm climate, sensitive to cold
- Origin
- Hot and arid regions
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability low.
Expert tips
The key tip
Agave amica requires very mineral, well-draining soil. Once established, water sparingly.
The common mistake
People water "a little" thinking they're doing the right thing: excess moisture rots the heart or roots, and the agave declines.
The pro's trick
In pots, empty the saucer after each rain or watering: water sitting underneath promotes root rot.
Care
Light exposure
Place your Agave amica in full sun for optimal growth and better foliage coloration. It thrives in very bright and sunny locations throughout the day. Avoid prolonged shade, which would slow its development. In Mediterranean or very hot regions, morning sun with light afternoon protection works well.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings. In autumn and winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant enters dormancy. Water at the base rather than on the foliage to prevent rot. In pots, ensure excellent drainage—well-draining substrate is essential.
Soil and substrate
Use a very well-draining substrate made of light potting soil mixed with sand, gravel, or perlite. This plant dislikes stagnant moisture and overly rich soils. In garden soil, improve heavy clay with drainage materials. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal.
Fertilization
Light feeding in spring (balanced fertilizer or succulent-specific formula) is usually sufficient. Dilute to low concentration to avoid excessive growth or root burn. In pots, a single application in May-June is enough; in rich garden soil, fertilizer may not be necessary.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is essential. Simply remove dead or damaged leaves at the base. After flowering, you can remove dried flower stems. Basal offsets can be removed for propagation if desired.
Diseases and pests
Root rot is the main risk, usually from overwatering or poor drainage. Watch for mealybugs that can infest foliage in warm conditions. Treatment with diluted insecticidal soap generally solves the problem without harming the plant.
Did you know?
Agave amica, though sometimes called 'tuberose' in certain regions, should not be confused with true tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), a very different plant with pure white, highly fragrant flowers. The name 'amica' means 'friend' in Latin, suggesting an easy and kind plant for the patient gardener.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Lily of the valleyConvallaria majalis
- Spiny-headed Mat-rushLomandra longifolia
- Siberian squillScilla siberica
- Century plantAgave americana
- Sea squillDrimia maritima
- Armenian grape hyacinthMuscari armeniacum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.