In terms of their care needs, the various types of agave are very similar to cacti, as they require little care and react sensitively to any cut due to the leaves that serve as water storage. Visually, however, there are a whole range of other plants that are sometimes confused with the agaves grown in pots or as houseplants.
Which plants look similar to agaves and how are they different?
Plants that look similar to agave include aloe vera, candle palm lily (Yucca gloriosa) and arched hemp (Sansevieria). However, they differ in leaf shape, toxicity and growing conditions. When caring for them, be careful not to mix them up to avoid potential dangers.
Be careful not to confuse it with aloe vera
Aloe vera is now as common in many gardens as agave, as the healing effects of aloe juice are well known. However, caution is advised here: Since some types of agave are slightly poisonous, the juice from the leaves should, in case of doubt, never get into open wounds and, if possible, not onto the skin. Although certain agaves are used to make agave syrup or tequila, confusing them with the healing aloe vera can pose a real danger.
The candle palm lily as an optical double of the agaves
Sometimes the specimens of the species Yucca gloriosa, known as candle palm lilies, are confused with agaves. However, their leaves, which are also arranged in the form of a rosette, are significantly thinner and contain less water. This may also be the main reason why these plants are very frost hardy, in contrast to many types of agave. The candle palm lily, also known as the Spanish dagger, blooms every year in a suitable location and is more prone to forming a woody trunk than agaves. This plant can be an exotic-looking alternative if the similar-looking agaves cannot be overwintered outdoors due to local temperatures.
The so-called bow hemp
Due to its decorative leaves, arched hemp is as often cultivated as a houseplant in pots like agave. Similarities between Sansevieria and agaves are:
- leaves sessile
- succulent plants
- easy to care for plant on the windowsill
What is different is that the leaves are not arranged as a large leaf rosette, but rather grow along the rhizome as basal leaf rosettes or in two rows. An inflorescence only forms once on each shoot, but the shoots do not die after flowering.
Tip
Agaves can usually be identified relatively clearly by their thick, fleshy leaves and the often present spikes.
