Species whale's tongue agave
gray-green foliage

whale's tongue agave

Agave ovatifolia

The Whale's Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia) is an amazing plant species. It possesses large, smooth, blue green leaves that branch outward in a pattern reminiscent of a whale's tail. Its showy blooms form atop stems that can reach up to 6-7 feet tall, making for an eye-catching focal point. It's also a hardy and low maintenance species that requires little water and thrives in hot, dry climates, making it a great choice for those looking for a plant that requires minimal care. Its striking appearance gives any outdoor space a unique, tropical look and feel, perfect for adding interest to a yard or garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Offsets,Seed Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 11

Flowers:

Yellow-green Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Whale's tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia) should be watered every 1-2 weeks during the summer months and every 3-4 weeks during the winter months; be sure to adjust these times accordingly if you live in an area that has more extreme temperatures than normal. During the summer, the soil should be allowed to dry out completely in between waterings. During the winter months the soil should be slightly damp but not too wet; the agave should never be kept in soggy soil. After repotting, water the plant deeply but allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings. It is also important to check the drainage holes of the pot to make sure that any excess water can escape.

sunlight

Whale's tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia) requires full sun to partial sun to thrive. It prefers 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day in the spring, summer and fall months, and 4-6 hours of direct sunlight during the winter months.

pruning

Whale's tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia) is a magnificent plant that does not need to be pruned often. Pruning should only be done when needed to remove damaged, dead, and diseased foliage or to control growth. The plant should be pruned in late spring or early summer, usually around June or July. Be sure to use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to avoid causing damage to the plant. The plant's thick leaves can be pruned by cutting them at the base of the plant where they meet the stem. Regular pruning will also help the plant keep a more compact size.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Whale's tongue agave typically begins flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Whale's tongue agave typically begins flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map