Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - January 23, 2013
From: Marana, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Cacti and Succulents
Title: Potential longevity of Century Plant bloom stalk from Marana AZ
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
What is the potential longevity of a Century Plant stalk/bloom? I would like to use it in my yard for ornamentation. Will it last for weeks, months or years or decompose relatively quickly?ANSWER:
This must be a popular topic in Arizona this year. Here is a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer on that very question, this one from Sedona, AZ. Also in that previous answer are several more links, which you should also read. There are several different members of the Agave genus that have the common name "century plant," but we usually choose Agave americana (American century plant) as our example.
From the Image Gallery
More Cacti and Succulents Questions
Transplanting agave in Austin
September 22, 2009 - I have an 8 foot tall agave (americana?) planted in my front yard. It has been there quite happily for over 20 years. How would I go about transplanting this to another location? Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Container plants for Yakima WA
May 11, 2013 - My condo complex has purchased large, pottery pots for around our pool. I need to choose low maintenance plants. hopefully something that takes limited water, etc.
view the full question and answer
What to do with agave after it blooms from Phoenix AZ
March 12, 2013 - Hello!
I have 2 century plants in the process of blooming. How exciting!! I've never really seen it before.
Anyway, what do I then do with the dying/dead plant. Simply dig it up and trash it?
T...
view the full question and answer
Identification of Wood from Frying Pan Ranch Near Amarillo, TX (possibly Cholla)
April 26, 2013 - I'm doing research for a museum exhibition and have been told the "holey" piece of wood from The Frying Pan Ranch near Amarillo Texas is "chollya" but I can find no information. Can you help?
view the full question and answer
Opuntia drooping in Austin, TX
September 02, 2015 - I planted an optunia spp. in March. It has nearly tripled in size. This week, I noticed the entire plant has started to droop.
Temperatures have been very high with no rain for weeks. The cactus is...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |