{"product_id":"agave-victoriae-reginae-queen-victoria-century-plant","title":"Agave victoriae-reginae - Queen Victoria Century Plant","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith its perfectly geometric rosette and striking white leaf markings, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAgave victoriae-reginae\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is one of the most elegant and sought-after agaves in cultivation. Its deep green leaves are edged with smooth white lines, creating an almost hand-painted appearance that makes every plant look like a living sculpture. Slow-growing, compact and exceptionally long-lived, this architectural succulent is perfect for bright windowsills and contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAgave victoriae-reginae\u003c\/i\u003e (Queen Victoria century plant)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe genus \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAgave\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e belongs to the Asparagaceae family, alongside plants such as \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eYucca\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDracaena\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAgave victoriae-reginae\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is one of the most distinctive species in the genus, prized for its compact form, symmetrical growth and naturally occurring white leaf markings. It was named in honour of Queen Victoria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eQueen Victoria Century Plant, Queen Victoria Agave, Royal Agave\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNative to the Chihuahuan Desert of north-eastern Mexico, where it grows on rocky limestone slopes in dry, mountainous habitats with excellent drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThrives in bright light and enjoys several hours of direct sun each day. A south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal. Plenty of sunlight encourages compact growth and maintains the plant’s distinctive shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAllow the compost to dry out completely between waterings before watering thoroughly. Always let excess water drain away, as prolonged wet conditions can lead to root rot. Water sparingly during autumn and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePrefers low humidity and dry indoor conditions. Good airflow helps keep the plant healthy and reduces the risk of fungal problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePlant in a gritty, free-draining cactus or succulent compost with added grit, pumice or perlite. A pot with drainage holes is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFeed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer using a diluted cactus or succulent fertiliser. Stop feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemp\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePrefers temperatures between \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e15–30°C\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Protect from frost and avoid prolonged temperatures below \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e5°C\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Although relatively cold tolerant, it should be kept indoors or in a frost-free location during UK winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNo. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAgave\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e species are considered toxic if ingested, and the sap may cause irritation to the skin and mouth of both people and pets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePlace your agave in the brightest position you can provide and resist the temptation to water too often. This is a slow-growing plant that thrives on neglect, so allowing the compost to dry completely between waterings is key to keeping it healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUnlike many agaves, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAgave victoriae-reginae\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e remains relatively compact, making it one of the best species for growing as a houseplant. With proper care, it can live for decades before eventually producing a spectacular flowering spike at the end of its life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eDespite the common name “century plant”, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAgave victoriae-reginae\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e doesn’t live for 100 years. Most plants flower after around 20–30 years in cultivation, producing a dramatic flower spike before the main rosette naturally dies—a lifecycle shared by almost all agave species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"8.5cm","offer_id":58394383712637,"sku":"1985124404871","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/products\/agave-victoriae-reginae-queen-victoria-century-plant","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}