Octopus Agave

Agave vilmoriniana

$48³³ $58⁷⁶

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Salt Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Low Maintenance, and Container Friendly

Specifications

Botanical Name

Agave vilmoriniana
Height

1-2 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Growing Zones

Outdoors 9 - 11 (Indoors 4 - 11)
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color
- Yellow
Leaf Color
- Blue
- Green
Pollinator Required

No
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This succulent thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light to maintain its structural form. While it handles light afternoon shade in desert climates, too much shade causes the leaves to stretch and lose their signature "tentacle" arch.
Soil: Ideal soil is gritty and fast draining, such as a sandy loam or a specific cactus mix. If you have heavy clay, plant your agave in a raised mound or a container to prevent water from sitting around the base, which can cause the core to rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, water your Octopus Agave once a week to help the roots anchor into their new home. Once established, this plant is exceptionally drought tolerant and typically only needs supplemental water during long stretches of extreme heat. Inconsistent watering or overwatering can lead to a soft, mushy base, so always let the soil dry out completely between sessions.

Pruning Tips

The Octopus Agave is a "low maintenance" dream because it rarely requires pruning beyond removing the occasional damaged lower leaf. This species is monocarpic, meaning it blooms only once at the end of its life on a massive stalk. Since it does not produce "pups" or offsets like other agaves, enjoy the architectural foliage until the bloom cycle begins, then remove the entire plant once the flowers fade.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring to fuel the season's growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages soft, tender growth that is easily damaged by a sudden frost. Think of fertilizer as a light snack rather than a heavy meal; this plant is adapted to lean soils and survives well without heavy feeding.

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Growing Zones outdoors 9 - 11 (indoors 4 - 11)

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Dramatic, Tropical Presence

The Octopus Agave (Agave vilmoriniana) proves that good things come to those who wait. If you’re looking for a plant to add dramatic presence to your garden, the Octopus Agave will do just that. It grows with grace and beauty before blooming at full maturity.

This perennial succulent grows slowly but will create quite a buzz when it reaches maturity. It towers over most succulents and produces a brilliant summertime yellow bloom on a tall spike.

But don’t worry, this plant is a real looker even when not in bloom. It received its name because of its octopus-like appearance. It has exquisitely slender, long, grey-green, tentacle-like leaves that reach out from its center. These fleshy leaves have a tendency to twist and spiral from time to time.

This is one of the largest rosette-shaped plants you’ll find. And its leaves don’t have those pesky spikes all along its leaf like you’re probably familiar with. Its leaves have smooth edges, and you can simply snip off the tips (and the small spike found at the very end of the leaf). Passersby will thank you, if you plant it near a path.

Its fountain-like appearance will make your garden feel like a tropical oasis. This plant makes for a great landscaping accent that can bring height to your garden. Plant it at the corners of your yard or keep it in a container. This succulent will add an exotic feel to your pool area or patio.

The Octopus Agave does best in full sun or partial shade. And it thrives in low-moisture well-drained areas. So, you don’t have to fuss over this low-maintenance plant. When potted, just give it a bit of water when its soil appears dry.

This grand succulent will add architectural interest to your garden. It grows well without a lot of attention. Order your garden drama today!

Adds Architectural Drama to the Landscape
Grows Well Potted
Sculptural Gray-Green Smooth Leaves

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Octopus Agave

Agave vilmoriniana

Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Specifications