Agave schottii, also known by the common name Schott's century plant, is a shrub species within the genus Agave. It is a member of the subgenus Littaea. There are two widely recognized varieties of this species: Agave schotti var. schottii and Agave schottii var. treleasei.
Schott's century plant has moderate disease resistance but is relatively sensitive to humidity and overwatering. It becomes more prone to disease when kept in low light and given too much water. Regarding care, Schott's century plant is drought-tolerant and can go long stretches without watering. It needs little fertilizer and only occasional pruning. These characteristics make it suitable for people at any skill level, especially those who prefer to spend less time on plant care and who may be away from home for extended periods. It is a good option for people who do not want to devote much time to caring for plants yet still want an easy-to-maintain specimen.
How to keep Agave Schottii.
Light
Native to dry regions, Schott's century plant does best in full sun; its natural habitat is marked by strong sunlight and little shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in how it grows.
Water
Schott's century plant flourishes in dry conditions and should only be watered when the soil is visibly dry. During the summer, you can increase the watering slightly, but make sure to reduce it in the fall as the plant's growth slows down. In the winter, when temperatures drop to 10℃ (50°F), you should stop watering altogether and keep the plant warm. Resume watering in the spring when temperatures rise above 20℃ (68°F).
Temperature
Schott's century plant prospers in warm conditions and needs elevated temperatures during the growing season to support its growth and metabolism. It prefers plenty of sunlight, suitable moisture, and good air circulation. However, it can be harmed by very low temperatures and by excessive watering. It is also important to maintain balance and avoid overly high temperatures and excessively dry conditions.
Fertilizer
For Schott's century plant, small applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Avoid fertilizing in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and helps encourage blooms.
Pruning
To maintain the health and appearance of Schott's century plant, it's best to prune it in early spring. Remove any dead leaves to improve air circulation around the plant. Use clean, sharp shears to carefully trim the older leaves at the base, making sure to avoid cutting the main stem. This not only enhances the plant's aesthetic appeal but also encourages new growth. For additional care tips, consult reliable sources.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Agave
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Yellow Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
Reader questions.
What are the sunlight requirements for Schott's century plant (Agave schottii)?
Schott's century plant, also known as Agave schottii, requires specific sunlight conditions to thrive. It needs full sun, which means it should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily to maintain its health and vigor. For those locations that cannot provide full sun, it can also tolerate partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to observe the way sunlight moves through your garden over the course of a day to find the perfect spot that offers a balance of light and shade. Choosing the right location ensures your plant will be happy and healthy.
