Furcraea

Family. Asparagaceae.

Origin. Central and South America.

Description. Furcraea are perennial evergreen plants, closely related to agaves. They form a basal rosette of long, strap-shaped leaves. The shades of the leaves are very variable and include green, as well as bluish, gray and various combinations of these shades with longitudinal stripes of white or yellow. With age, some species form a thick trunk. Most specimens are monocarpic plants, flowering only once, after which the main rosette dies, leaving daughter bulbs. Flowering is a spectacular sight - the peduncle reaches a height of 6 m. At the top is a branched inflorescence with many greenish, pink or cream flowers with an intense aroma.

Height. The leaf rosette reaches 1 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, keep the plant at a temperature of 18 - 24 °C. In the winter months, it is advisable to provide a dormant period by placing the pot in a cool room with a temperature of 8 - 10 °C.

Lighting

A very well lit place with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening. Light shading is necessary during the daytime. In autumn and winter, lighting should be as high as possible.

Care

A very unassuming plant.

Substrate

Permeable soil with a slightly acidic pH. Drainage material can make up up to 30 percent of the total volume of the mixture. Furcraea tolerates nutrient-poor substrates. 

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2 weeks. During the cold period, stop feeding and resume only when new growth begins.

Purpose

A large decorative foliage plant for landscaping spacious rooms. 

Flowering time

The flowering period is in the summer months. In indoor conditions, flowering is observed rarely, only with proper care.

Air humidity

Furcraea tolerates the driest atmosphere well and does not need additional moisture.

Soil moisture

Young plants require regular watering in spring and summer, during the growth period. The soil dries out a few centimeters between waterings. Mature specimens have good drought resistance.

Transfer

Replant furcraea in spring into fairly large pots. Trim dead roots back to healthy tissue before planting. After transplantation, watering is stopped for several days. 

Reproduction

Propagated by daughter bulblets in spring and summer. Seeds are sown in spring.

Pests and diseases

With insufficient drainage and excessive watering, it rots easily.

Pests sometimes include spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. 

Note

Furcraea leaves contain long fibers that are used to make burlap and rope. Some species have spines on their leaves - do not place such specimens in aisles and be careful when handling them.