Leuchtenbergia principis , also known as the agave cactus , is a rare and spectacular species of cactus, native to northern Mexico, noted for the unusual shape of its false leaves (tubers) that give it an agave-like appearance.
🔹 Botanical characteristics:
• Habit: Slow-growing , usually solitary succulent plant. It can reach 20–70 cm tall at maturity, with a cylindrical body and partially buried stem.
• Tubers: Elongated, triangular, blue-green or gray-green , covered with a protective wax. Each tuber has areoles at the top with thin, flexible spines , similar to blades of dry grass.
• Spines: Numerous, thin, yellowish or reddish-brown, arching around the tubercles.
• Flowers: Large, funnel-shaped, bright yellow , appear at the top of the plant in the warm season. The flowers are ephemeral but spectacular.
🔹 Recommended growing conditions:
• Light: Requires direct sun or very bright light . In the absence of intense light, it loses its specific shape and color.
• Soil: Very well drained, poor in organic matter. A mineral mixture with gravel, sand and a little leaf soil is ideal.
• Watering: Water rarely , only when the substrate is completely dry. In winter it should be kept dry to avoid rotting.
• Temperature: High tolerance to heat and drought. During the dormant period it can withstand low temperatures (down to 0°C) , if completely dry.
• Fertilization: In the warm season, once a month with diluted fertilizer for cacti.
• Growth: Very slow, but the plant can live for decades.
• Propagation: Most commonly by seeds , as it does not produce basal cuttings.
Leuchtenbergia principis is a rare and decorative plant, favored by collectors for its unique and unusual appearance.
The price displayed is for 1 pot.
The plant is sold without flowers.
