Agave stricta 'Nana' is a small Agave that grows slowly to form symmetrical rosettes up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall and wide of narrow, pale green, spine-tipped leaves with tiny teeth along the margins that are more rough than sharp to the touch. With time new offsets form at the base from short rhizomes to create attractive tightly packed colonies. Occasionally a rosette will flower with a tall, sometimes crooked stalk, rising well above the foliage in late summer. The rosette of the flowering plant dies off but is quickly replaced by surrounding ones.

How to Grow and Care

Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They're slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you're the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you're the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might the way to go. Be aware that some of the large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes very sharp thorns that can cause injuries to small children and even pets.

In general, Agave do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It's also best to handle your Agave as little as possible, since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot.

Growing Conditions

Light: Bright sunlight year-round. Consider moving your plants outside during the summer, where they can luxuriate in full sunlight and make sure they get plenty of winter light.
Water: In spring, water with warm water just as the soil begins to dry out. Don't let the soil become completely dry. In winter and fall, when growth is suspended, water very lightly.
Temperature: Agaves prefer warm spring and summer temperatures (70 to 90 ºF (21 to 32 ºC) and cooler fall and winter temperatures (50 to 60 ºF (10 to 15 ºC).
Soil: Use standard succulent potting mix.
Fertilizer: Feed in spring and summer. Do not feed during fall and winter.