Where Can I Buy a Century Plant? (A Complete Guide)

The Century Plant: A Living Legend

The century plant is a fascinating and mysterious plant that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. It is said to bloom only once every 100 years, and when it does, it produces a spectacular display of flowers. But where can you buy a century plant? And what do you need to know about caring for one?

In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will discuss the history of the century plant, its unique features, and how to grow and care for one in your own home. So if you’re curious about this amazing plant, read on!

Store Price Link
Home Depot $20.00 https://www.homedepot.com/p/203090499
Lowe’s $15.00 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Agave-Century-Plant-Live-Plant/1000364787
Amazon $10.00 https://www.amazon.com/Century-Plant-Agave-americana-Live/dp/B076486W6V

Century plants (Agave spp.) are a type of succulent plant that is native to Mexico and Central America. They are characterized by their long, spiky leaves and their slow growth rate. Century plants can live for up to 100 years, and they only bloom once during their lifetime.

Century plants are popular ornamental plants because of their unique appearance and their drought tolerance. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.

Types of Century Plants

There are over 300 species of century plants, but only a few are commonly cultivated as ornamental plants. The most popular species include:

  • Mexican Century Plant (Agave americana): This is the most common type of century plant. It is native to Mexico and Central America, and it can grow up to 10 feet tall. The Mexican century plant has long, green leaves that are tipped with sharp spines. It blooms once during its lifetime, producing a large flower stalk that can reach up to 20 feet tall.
  • Barbados Century Plant (Agave sisalana): This species is native to Barbados and the Caribbean. It is a smaller plant than the Mexican century plant, and it only grows to about 5 feet tall. The Barbados century plant has blue-green leaves that are tipped with sharp spines. It blooms once during its lifetime, producing a flower stalk that can reach up to 10 feet tall.
  • Mauritius Century Plant (Agave mauritanica): This species is native to Mauritius and the Indian Ocean. It is a very large plant, and it can grow up to 20 feet tall. The Mauritius century plant has long, gray-green leaves that are tipped with sharp spines. It blooms once during its lifetime, producing a flower stalk that can reach up to 30 feet tall.

Where to Buy Century Plants

Century plants are available for purchase at a variety of retailers, including:

  • Online retailers: Many online retailers sell century plants. You can find a wide variety of species and sizes to choose from.
  • Garden centers: Most garden centers carry a selection of century plants. You can find both common and rare species at garden centers.
  • Plant nurseries: Plant nurseries often have a good selection of century plants. You can find both young plants and mature plants at plant nurseries.
  • Greenhouses: Greenhouses often have a good selection of century plants. You can find both common and rare species at greenhouses.
  • Botanical gardens: Some botanical gardens have century plants in their collections. You can often find rare species of century plants at botanical gardens.

Century plants are a beautiful and unique addition to any garden. They are relatively easy to care for, and they can live for many years. If you are looking for a long-lived and low-maintenance plant, a century plant is a great option.

Additional Information

  • Century plants are not true succulents, but they do have some succulent-like qualities. They are drought tolerant and they can store water in their leaves.
  • Century plants are poisonous to humans and animals. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
  • Century plants are often used in traditional medicine. They are said to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system.
  • Century plants are a popular symbol of longevity and good luck. They are often given as gifts to celebrate special occasions.

How to Care for Century Plants

Century plants are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that your plant thrives.

Watering

Century plants are drought-tolerant plants, but they will do best with regular watering. Water your plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing

Century plants do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a light application of fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and follow the directions on the package.

Light

Century plants prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. If you live in a hot climate, it is best to provide your plant with some afternoon shade.

Temperature

Century plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but they will not do well in freezing temperatures. If you live in a colder climate, you can bring your plant indoors during the winter.

Pests and diseases

Century plants are not usually bothered by pests or diseases. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and aphids. If you notice any pests on your plant, you can treat them with a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution.

Propagation of Century Plants

Century plants can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.

  • Seed propagation: Sow seeds in the spring in a well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two months.
  • Division: Divide mature plants in the spring or fall. Gently separate the roots and replant the divisions in separate pots.
  • Cuttings: Take stem cuttings in the spring or summer. Cut a 6-inch section of stem from the plant and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist until the cutting roots, which can take up to six weeks.

Century plants are beautiful and long-lived plants that can add a touch of tropical flair to any garden. With proper care, your century plant will thrive for many years to come.

Here are some additional resources on caring for century plants:

  • [The Spruce: How to Care for a Century Plant](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-care-for-a-century-plant-591553)
  • [Gardening Know How: Century Plant Care](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/plants/century-plant/century-plant-care.htm)
  • [University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Agave americana (Century Plant)](https://ucanr.edu/sites/agnr/HowTo/pests/Agave_americana/)

    Where can I buy a century plant?

  • Century plants are available at a variety of nurseries and garden centers. You can also find them online from specialty retailers.
  • When choosing a century plant, be sure to select a healthy plant that is free of pests or diseases.
  • The size of the plant will depend on your growing space. Century plants can reach heights of up to 10 feet, so be sure to choose a plant that will have enough room to grow.
  • When planting your century plant, choose a location in full sun. The plant will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
  • Century plants are drought-tolerant plants, but they will benefit from regular watering during the summer months.
  • The plant will produce a flower stalk once it reaches maturity. The flower stalk can reach heights of up to 20 feet, so be sure to provide the plant with plenty of support.
  • The century plant will produce a fruit after the flower stalk has died back. The fruit is edible, but it is not very palatable.

How much does a century plant cost?

  • The cost of a century plant will vary depending on the size of the plant and the source. Century plants can range in price from $10 to $100.
  • You can find some great deals on century plants online. Be sure to do your research and compare prices before you make a purchase.
  • Century plants are a long-term investment. They can live for up to 100 years, so it is important to choose a plant that is healthy and well-cared for.

How do I care for a century plant?

  • Century plants are relatively easy to care for. They are drought-tolerant plants that can withstand a wide range of conditions.
  • The most important thing to remember when caring for a century plant is to provide it with plenty of sunlight. The plant will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
  • Century plants are also tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. They will do best in well-drained soil, but they can also tolerate some drought.
  • The plant will only need to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
  • Century plants do not need to be fertilized often. A light application of fertilizer once a year is usually all that is needed.

What are the benefits of growing a century plant?

  • Century plants are beautiful plants that can add a touch of tropical flair to any garden.
  • The plant is also a great choice for people who do not have a lot of time to spend on gardening. Century plants are low-maintenance plants that can thrive with minimal care.
  • The plant is also a good choice for people who live in warm climates. Century plants are drought-tolerant plants that can withstand heat and humidity.
  • The century plant is a symbol of longevity and good luck. Many people believe that growing a century plant will bring them good fortune.

Are there any risks associated with growing a century plant?

  • Century plants are not poisonous to humans or animals. However, the sap from the plant can cause skin irritation in some people.
  • Century plants are also known to attract rodents. If you are concerned about rodents, you may want to consider growing the plant in a pot that can be placed on a raised platform.
  • Century plants can grow to be very large. If you do not have enough space, you may want to consider choosing a smaller variety of the plant.

    there are many places to buy a century plant. You can find them at garden centers, online retailers, and even some grocery stores. The price of a century plant will vary depending on the size and variety. Be sure to do your research before purchasing a century plant to ensure that you are getting a healthy plant that is suited for your climate. With proper care, your century plant can grow to be a beautiful and long-lived addition to your home or garden.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.