Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
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.
Very low water needs once established
Extremely drought-tolerant
Occasional deep watering during severe drought only
Overwatering causes crown rot
No supplemental fertilizing needed in typical Austin soils
Minimal feeding if growth is very poor
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
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
Excellent planting and transplanting window
Offsets (pups) appear regularly
Extremely heat- and drought-tolerant; requires almost no care
Excellent planting window; establishment before winter
Very cold-hardy; damage rarely occurs in Austin winters
Fall through spring
Avoid transplanting during peak summer heat
Ideal soil temperatures: 55-80 F
Full sun to partial shade
Tolerates more shade than most agaves
Best form and color in full sun to light shade
2-3 feet apart
Mature clumps spread 2-3 feet wide
Well-draining, lean, rocky or sandy soil
Does not tolerate waterlogged clay soils
Amend with coarse sand and grit in heavy soils
Water at planting; moderate moisture for first 4-6 weeks
Reduce sharply once established
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:
Contact a veterinarian if significant ingestion or contact occurs.
