Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570

Instagram Facebook Patreon
Join the Harvest List
Squid Agave

— · Texas-Grown

Squid Agave

Price range: $10.00 through $22.00

Squid Agave (Agave bracteosa), also known as Spider Agave or Candelabrum Agave, is a distinctive, spineless agave producing graceful, arching, light green leaves that give it a soft, tentacle-like appearance unlike any other agave. Native to the Sierra Madre Oriental of northeast Mexico, it is perfectly adapted to Texas conditions – thriving in heat, drought, and rocky soils. Its lack of sharp terminal spines makes it an excellent choice near pathways and in areas with foot traffic.

At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Squid Agave transplants are grown for strong root development and exceptional landscape performance suited to Austin’s climate.

Care Instructions
Watering
Very low water needs once established Extremely drought-tolerant Occasional deep watering during severe drought only Overwatering causes crown rot
Fertilizing
No supplemental fertilizing needed in typical Austin soils Minimal feeding if growth is very poor
Pruning & Maintenance
Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed Remove offsets (pups) if desired to control spread or propagate No significant pruning required Plant is monocarpic (dies after flowering); allow offsets to replace parent
Common Issues
Crown and root rot in waterlogged soils Agave snout weevil (less common than in larger agaves) Few other serious pest or disease issues
One of the most adaptable and child/pet-friendly agaves due to soft, spineless leaves Excellent for rock gardens, xeric plantings, and pathways where spiny agaves would be hazardous Produces offsets freely; divide and share or plant out for a naturalistic colony Plant dies after producing its tall flower spike (monocarpic); offsets continue the colony
Seasonal Notes
Spring
Excellent planting and transplanting window Offsets (pups) appear regularly
Summer
Extremely heat- and drought-tolerant; requires almost no care
Fall
Excellent planting window; establishment before winter
Winter
Very cold-hardy; damage rarely occurs in Austin winters
Best Time to Plant in Austin
Fall through spring Avoid transplanting during peak summer heat Ideal soil temperatures: 55-80 F
Sun Requirements
Full sun to partial shade Tolerates more shade than most agaves Best form and color in full sun to light shade
Spacing
2-3 feet apart Mature clumps spread 2-3 feet wide
Soil
Well-draining, lean, rocky or sandy soil Does not tolerate waterlogged clay soils Amend with coarse sand and grit in heavy soils
Watering After Planting
Water at planting; moderate moisture for first 4-6 weeks Reduce sharply once established
Other Agaves Yucca Hesperaloe Gaillardia Lantana Salvia Rosemary Ornamental Grasses
Agave bracteosa (Squid Agave) lacks sharp terminal spines, reducing physical injury risk compared to other agaves. However, agaves contain saponins and oxalate crystals which can cause: Vomiting Diarrhea Excessive drooling Skin and oral irritation Considered mildly to moderately toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Contact a veterinarian if significant ingestion or contact occurs.

You might also like

Related products

Join the Harvest List

Login