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Leuchtenbergia principis

Cultivation Key

Full sun Moderate water Deep pot for taproot

Hardy to 40F / 5C if dry.

Can tolerate short periods of 17F / -8C

Plant of the Month

January 2010

Agave Cactus

Leuchtenbergia principis W.J. Hooker 1848

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonyms: -none-

Form: The habitat of Leuchtenbergia principis is North America, Northern-central Mexico, San Lois Potosi, Chihuahua. It is the only specie in this monotypic genus. Very easily recognizable for its long triangular tubercles with long papery like spines. Its appearance mimics that of an Agave, giving it the common name of Agave Cactus. Despite being easily recognizable, it’s often difficult to find in it’s habitat as the plants camouflage themselves well with the tall grasses and other native shrubs. Generally solitary, but can slowly offset with age, this plant has a large taproot. New tubercles grow from the center and fan outwards growing in a very slow *stalk* fashion. Old tubercles at the base eventually become bare and will have a corky appearance. The tubercles are a grayish/green color with some purple highlights.

Size: Typically growing to around 8-10inches in diameter and up to 20inches. tall. But cultivated plants grown in the ground can reach larger sizes. Having a large taproot, a deep pot is recommended.

Flowers/Fruit: The flowers of Leuchtenbergia principis are rather large, 2-3” in diameter and a bright yellow color. They grow from new tubercles in the center of the plant. Fruit are fleshy and spineless. Starting out green and ripening to a red.

Sun/Water: Leuchtenbergia principis can take full sun and does not require much water once established. In cultivation, watering can be moderate during the summer, but not excessive. This plant can succumb to rot.

Propagation: Seed. Easy to grow from seed, although somewhat slow.

Books/Websites: Only basic information is available about this plant online. Some info is scattered within non–specific books. More websites can be found on our Reference Links page.

Leuchtenbergia principis W.J. Hooker 1848

Agave Cactus

2 year old seedling

San Diego Summer Show – July 2009

InterCity Summer Show – August 2008

L. principis monstrose

(Grafted on Stenocereus griseus)

In bloom Christmas day 2009!!

Photo: Cereusly - CactiGuide

L. principis monstrose

(Grafted on Stenocereus griseus)

In bloom Christmas day 2009!!

Photo: Cereusly - CactiGuide

In bloom Christmas day 2009!!

Photo: Cereusly - CactiGuide

X Ferobergia

Hybrids between Leuchtenbergia and Ferocactus

Despite being a monotypic Genus (Having only one specie) Leuchtenbergia is distantly related to Ferocactus. Hybrids have been made between the two Genera, known as Ferobergia.