Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Foxtail agave
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Foxtail agave
Agave attenuata · Lion's tail, swan's neck agave
A soft, spineless agave with sculptural rosettes of pale blue-green leaves. Tough, waterwise and perfect for modern, low-maintenance designs.
Full sun to part shadeLight
Every 2–3 weeksWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Sun or light shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in heat.
Water
Every 2–3 weeks
DryWet
Water when the soil is dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Prefers dry air.
Temperature
0–40°C (32–104°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender.
Growth
Slow to moderate, rosette
SlowFast
Grows 1–1.5 m wide.
Soil
Cactus & succulent mix
LeanRich
Free-draining.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
Light feed in spring.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Sap can irritate skin and mouth.
About this plant
Native to Mexico, foxtail agave has no sharp spines, making it safe for pathways and balconies. Mature plants send up a tall, curving flower spike before the main rosette dies, leaving pups behind.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, rooftops, coastal gardens, modern pots and bright indoor spots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Agave attenuata |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Plant type | Evergreen succulent |
| Mature size | 1–1.5 m wide |
| Growth rate | Slow to moderate |
| Foliage | Soft, spineless blue-green leaves |
| Flowers | Tall arching spike on mature plants |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets; sap irritant |
| Propagation | Offsets (pups) |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Separate pups
Water less
Active growthSeparate pupsWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Soft, rotting base | Overwatering. |
| Bleached patches | Sunburn. |
| Frost-damaged leaves | Protect in winter. |
| Leaning trunk | Normal with age. |
| Mealybugs | Treat with alcohol. |
Common questions
Does it have spines?
No, it's spineless.
What happens after it flowers?
The rosette dies, but pups replace it.
Can it grow indoors?
Yes, in bright light.
Is it toxic?
The sap can irritate.
