2 named cultivars

perennial

Narrow Leaf Century Plant

Agave striata

The Story

Plant Bio

Agave striata, or Narrow Leaf Century Plant, is a distinctive succulent forming a dense, spherical rosette of numerous narrow, stiff, gray-green leaves. Each leaf ends in a very sharp terminal spine.

Valued for its striking architectural form, this species is highly drought tolerant and forms a dense, sea urchin-like clump. It is one of the few agaves that offsets freely to form large colonies.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural form and drought-tolerant appeal.

Requires minimal watering and maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping.

Supports pollinators like bees with its late summer blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Many years

Native To

Mexico

Toxicity

Sap may cause skin irritation; leaves are dangerously sharp

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil
Water sparingly until established, about 2 weeks
Place in full sun for optimal growth
Use cactus or succulent fertilizer during growing season
Protect from frost in colder zones

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
Provide full sun for best color
Use well-draining soil to prevent rot
Apply cactus fertilizer during active growth

Don't

Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
Plant in poorly drained soil
Expose to frost without protection

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Propagate
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Serrated succulent borderDrought-tolerant rock gardenArchitectural focal point

Companion Plants

Sedum Echinocactus Agave parryi Yucca filamentosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Narrow Leaf Century Plant questions

What zones can Narrow Leaf Century Plant grow in?

Narrow Leaf Century Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Narrow Leaf Century Plant deer resistant?

Yes — Narrow Leaf Century Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Narrow Leaf Century Plant bloom?

Narrow Leaf Century Plant typically blooms in late summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Narrow Leaf Century Plant need full sun?

Narrow Leaf Century Plant does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Narrow Leaf Century Plant drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Narrow Leaf Century Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.