James H. Schutte
Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
HECHTIA galeottii
Plant Common Name
False Agave
General Description
Commonly called false agave, this species of dry land bromeliad inhabits the canyons of southern Mexico and closely resembles a small Agave, as its common name suggests. It is a tender, semi-succulent perennial that forms a rosette of spiny leaves. Though attractive, this species is rarely cultivated.
The long, pointed, linear leaves of this Hechtia emanate outward from a dense rosette. They are sharply toothed, light to medium green on the tops and whitish gray on the undersides. In early summer, mature rosettes send up tall, branched flower spikes with dense, tufted rows of cream to pale yellow flowers. These are funnel-shaped and pollinated by insects and hummingbirds. After flowering and setting seed, the rosette will slowly degrade and die but not before small plantlet “pups” appear along the base of the dwindling mother plant.
Grow this species of false agave in full to partial sun and sandy or gravelly, fast-draining soil with some organic matter. Tolerant of extreme heat and drought, some supplemental water is needed in the heat of the growing season and little to none is required in winter. This tender desert plant may be grown in southerly rock gardens or dry summer containers. It can tolerate light frosts if the soil is dry.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Yellow, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Olive, Silver
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
