The Queen Victoria agave (Agave victoriae-reginae) is a popular succulent plant native to the rocky canyons of Coahuila, Durango, and Nuevo Leon in Mexico. It has broad, sword-like leaves and grows up to 3 feet tall and about just as wide. However, growth is slow, and it takes a long time for this succulent to reach its ultimate height.
The leaves are arranged in rosettes that present without a stem. They grow symmetrically, forming a complete globe when fully developed. Each individual leaf is variegated with long, thin white variegation that runs erratically along its length. Contrasted with the rich green natural color of the leaves, this results in muted beauty that’s really quite unique.
The flowers are borne in a thin, tall spike about 13 feet in length. Flowering occurs several years after the plant matures. However, the parent plant usually dies afterward, so remember to propagate it beforehand.
Queen Victoria Agave Main Characteristics
| Common Name | Queen Victoria Agave, Royal Agave |
| Botanical Name | Agave victoriae-reginae |
| Synonyms | Agave consideranti, Agave ferdinandi-regis, Agave nickelsii |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Type | Succulent |
| Native Range | Mexico |
| Common Cultivars | Golden Princess, Albomarginata, Sharkskin Shoes, Kazo Bana, Porcupine, Ring of Gold |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 9 to 11 |
| Mature Size | Height: up to 3 feet, Spread: up to 3 feet |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Propagation methods | by seeds, by offsets |
| Sun | Full sun to Bright shade |
| Soil | Porous, Well-drained |
| Toxicity | Non-Toxic |
Queen Victoria Agave Care
It is one of the most valued species of Agave in horticulture. Many hybrids and subspecies have sprouted from this species; few named, many unnamed. Cultivars are often cultivated to alter the white variegation. Despite its desirable nature, caring for it is pretty straightforward.
Light and Location
Like most succulents, the Queen Victoria agave prefers full sun exposure. However, it can also do well in some light shade if necessary. Depending on your location, you might want to protect it from the afternoon sun; overly harsh sunlight can cause sunburn in indoor plants.
Watering
Water thoroughly from spring to fall, but only when the soil feels completely dry to the touch. Overwatering will quickly kill this succulent. Reduce watering in winter. Use a porous mix, and drill holes in the container to facilitate fast drainage.
Temperature
Part of what makes this succulent so desirable is its ability to survive in extreme conditions. In its natural habitat, it has to deal with below freezing as well as scorching hot temperatures, as is the nature of deserts. Houseplants are not quite as hardy, but some of that same stubbornness does translate over to them as well. Optimally, you want temperatures between 50 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity
Like other succulents, this Agave has no use for humidity. In fact, the drier, the better. Average room levels of moisture are usually fine.
Fertilizer
In the growing season (spring through fall), fertilize with a succulent or cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength. Don’t overfeed; once every other month is more than enough.
Cultivars of Queen Victoria Agave
- Agave victoriae-reginae ‘Albomarginata’: has a white margin on the leaves.
- Agave victoriae-reginae ‘Golden Princess’: has yellow variegation on the leaves.
- Agave victoriae-reginae ‘Sharkskin Shoes’: has uniformly green leaves resembling shark fins.
Propagating Queen Victoria Agave
Offset
One of the easiest ways to propagate this succulent is by removing offsets or small “pups” that grow around the base of the plant. These can be carefully removed with a sharp knife and replanted in soil. Allow them to dry out for a day or two then plant then in a fresh pot. Water well and keep it warm and wait for the offshoots to take root.
Seeds
The seeds can also propagate this plant and can be started either in pots or directly in the ground. First, sow them just below the soil’s surface and keep them moist until they germinate, which should take about two weeks. Once they’ve sprouted, wait a few weeks before replanting them in a fresh pot.
Potting and Repotting Queen Victoria Agave
When potting or repotting this Agave, use a pot with drainage holes and a soil mix specifically for succulents. You can buy pre-made mixes or make your own by combining 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part sand. The plant doesn’t need a lot of room, so you can keep it in a small pot for a while. When it starts to outgrow its pot, repot into a container that’s only one size larger. Don’t overpot the succulent as the extra space is only an invitation for mealybugs.
When repotting, carefully remove the plant from the old pot and loosen the roots before planting in the new pot. Backfill with the soil mix and water well.
Toxicity
The Queen Victoria agave is non-toxic to people and pets.
Common Pests and Diseases
Scale and mealybugs are common pests of this Agave. You can treat an infestation with an insecticidal soap spray or dab it with rubbing alcohol. But if the issue is severe, you might want to contact a professional.
Would you like to know more about different types of agave plants? Check out these articles:
Queen Victoria Agave (Agave Victoriae-Reginae) – Easy Care Tips (Video)
FAQ
When Do Queen Victoria Agave Flower?
The Queen Victoria agave blooms after about 20-30 years. The flower stalk grows up to 12 feet tall and produces a cluster of flowers at the top. After the flowers die, the stalk will collapse, and the plant will die.
How To Care For A Queen Victoria Agave?
This Agave is a hardy succulent that doesn’t require much care. It does best in full sun or bright shade with well-draining soil. Water it thoroughly during the growing season after the soil dries out and keep it barely moist in winter. Fertilize once every other month with a succulent fertilizer in the growing season.
How To Propagate Queen Victoria Agave?
Seeds or offsets can propagate this Agave. To propagate by offsets, wait until the parent plant flowers and dies. Then, remove the offsets from the stem and replant them in the soil. They should root in a few weeks. To propagate by seeds, collect the ripe seed pods and dry them for a week or two. Then sow them in soil and keep them moist until they germinate. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Attribution
“Queen Victoria Agave” by Monkeystyle3000 is marked with CC BY 2.0.