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.
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Wednesday - June 17, 2009
From: Lake Jackson, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Cacti and Succulents
Title: Life span of the century plant (Agave spp.)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a beautiful century plant that is blooming. what will happen once the bloom is done? What is the life span of the plant?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants has answered this, or a similar, question several times so 'he' would like to refer you to some of those answers where you can learn more about Agave americana (American century plant), or Agave spp., and their life cycles. Please see the following questions and their answers: #4082, #3424, #1427, and #648. You can find even more information by typing in "century plant" in the Keyword Search slot on the Ask Mr. Smarty Plants page.
More Cacti and Succulents Questions
Bloom stalks on agave plants
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Debugging and Preserving Dried Cholla Cactus
January 04, 2014 - Hi. Recently found an intact skeleton of a cholla cactus. I want to
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Century plant dying after bloom
August 12, 2007 - My century plant is so tall that it is up to the top of the telephone pole top lines that carry our streets electric. I was wanting to know if you knew if I cut the stock off would it save the plant ...
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Replanting a blue agave in Rio Rancho NM
January 11, 2010 - I have acquired a Blue Agave, approximately 4-5 ft high. It still appears quite healthy. It was used over the holiday season for display purposes in a liquor store. Unfortunately, the root ball has be...
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Ravaged by snails
May 23, 2007 - Our Prickly Pear Cactus is being completely ravaged by snails. Is there something in my yard that could be attracting them? Is there something I can do to keep them off the plant? Also is is safe to...
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