False Agave
Furcraea foetida
Also known as: Mauritius Hemp · Giant Cabuya · Green Aloe
Agave-like rosette without the sharp spines — dramatic architectural accent for SWFL.
Southwest Florida
Growing False Agave in SWFL
False Agave offers the dramatic rosette form of an agave with softer, less hazardous leaf margins — a practical choice for estate landscapes where foot traffic is nearby. Its large, sword-shaped leaves reach 4–6 feet and create a striking architectural statement. High salt and drought tolerance make it excellent for coastal inland properties.
Plant Specifications
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Water Needs | Low once established — very drought tolerant |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate-high |
| Cold Hardiness | Zone 9b — handles brief freezes |
| Mature Height | 4–6ft rosette / 20ft+ when flowering |
| Mature Spread | 4–6ft rosette |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
Nursery stock photo
Live Inventory
Available Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Furcraea foetida has softer leaf margins without the rigid terminal spines of true Agave species. It provides the same dramatic silhouette with significantly less injury risk for maintenance crews and visitors. Still exercise caution — the leaf tips can be sharp.
False Agave is monocarpic — the main rosette flowers once, producing a massive flower spike up to 20 feet tall bearing thousands of small flowers, and then dies. However, it produces offsets (pups) around the base before flowering, so the clump persists indefinitely.
False Agave is in stock.
Call to confirm sizing and current availability.