Light. Thrives in direct sun and tolerates partial shade.
Water. Water only when the soil has dried out completely. Too much water causes root rot.
Soil and feeding. It needs well-drained soil; in pots, a sandy cactus mix is best. It grows well without fertilizer, but a slow-release fertilizer gives it a fuller look.
Size. Grows very slowly to about 2–3 ft tall and 2 ft across.
Pruning. No regular pruning is needed. The leaf spines are very sharp, so take care and wear gloves when tending it.
Problems to watch. Root rot from overwatering is the main problem. The agave snout weevil is a pest of agaves.
Good to know. It produces many pups around the base. After several years it blooms once, on a stalk up to 12 ft tall, then dies. Agave sap may irritate skin.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Agave lophantha · UF/IFAS EDIS FPS22: Agave spp., Century Plant
