book4-600x120

by Debi T
(Lawrenceville, GA USA)

giant-succulent-with-8-tall-shoot-that-is-branching-out-at-the-top-21727491
thumb_giant-succulent-with-8-tall-shoot-that-is-branching-out-at-the-top-21727491
thumb_giant-succulent-with-8-tall-shoot-that-is-branching-out-at-the-top-21727492

Like a THICK LEAFED Aloe – non-varigated. About 2 foot + tall with 8 foot (or taller) shoot that is branching out like “Whoville” – Growing in middle Georgia, USA

Wow, Debi! You are blessed with the sight of your Agave blooming – this happens only once in many years, so to actually witness it is not a common occurrence.

I cannot see the leaves exactly, but if they have serrated edges that are not sharp enough to cut, and have no wicked point on the ends of the leaves, this would definitely be an Aloe; Agave are similar, but you would not want to get anywhere near it because of the spines tipping each leaf. Both have this same characteristic of producing the single gigantic flower stalk.

If you have hummingbirds in your area, they’re sure to visit to get the nectar (and to pollinate the flowers), and in their native habitat, most often the flowers will be pollinated by night flying moths, and in some cases, bats. They have evolved especially to attract those types of creatures, by getting the flowers way up in the air for them to find easily.

Your weather must have been exactly what the plant needs to bloom; warm temperatures, especially at night, and a lot of rain after a long dry spell is what triggers it.

Sadly, the rosette that blooms also dies. In most cases, there are young pups that are formed on the roots of the mother rosette, that take her place once she shrivels up.

Nature truly is astonishing!

Glad that you could witness this event and share it.
Jacki