Agave Ocahui

Agave ocahui is a small and elegant agave that adds a pop of deep green to a desert landscape.

Ocahui means “fiber” in a native language from the Sonoran Desert region, depicting its historical ties to the indigenous people there.

As its name suggests, the leaves are tough and fibrous, but the plant as a whole is extremely tough as well, withstanding triple-digit desert heat as well as below-freezing temperatures.

Botanical name: Agave ocahui

Other names: Ocahui, ojahui

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Agave ocahui is a smaller agave that grows 2-3 feet tall and wide.

Dense, deep green leaves grow from the center in a rosette shape. The leaf margins have a white and brown hue and no serrated teeth, although the leaves have sharp tips at the end. Smooth and waxy surface.

The leaves are long and narrow, about 1 inch wide and 8-12 inches long.

At the end of its life, about 10-20 years of age, it will grow a tall inflorescence with numerous bright yellow flowers.

Plant where uniformity, neatness, and geometric symmetry are desired. Agave ocahui does not grow many offsets throughout its lifetime.

Agave ocahui is from rocky and sandy areas of the Sonoran Desert. It can be planted in poor soil with little nutrition as long as water drains well. It is also native to slightly elevated zones, so it is cold hardy, to about 15º F.

If planting in areas with high foot traffic, be aware that although the edges of the leaves are not sharp, the tips of the leaves are.

Only grows to 2-3 feet tall and wide, so it doesn’t need to be repotted often if grown in a container.

It will attract pollinators such as bees, birds, and bats when in bloom.

Agave ocahui is from the hot and dry Sonoran Desert

Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is lightly fertile.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 15 degrees for a short period of time.

Water: Apply occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

Sun: Full sun. Partial shade is ok in the Palm Springs region.

Pests: Agave ocahui has minimal pests. Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture (especially an the bottom of the agave)

Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin

Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring.

Agave ocahui produces plantlets on its flower stalk towards the end of its life. Cut them off with a blade or pull them off with your hand, and allow them to dry so that the cut can be healed to reduce the possibility of rot. Plant in moist soil.

How much does Agave Ocahui cost?

At our nursery, Agave ocahui costs $15 for a one-gallon container, $55 for a five-gallon container, and $120 for a fifteen-gallon container.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

Can agave ocahui be grown in cold regions?

Agave ocahui is one of the more frost-tolerant agaves. It can tolerate temperatures down to 15º F for a brief period.

Does agave ocahui grow offsets?

Agave ocahui does not typically grow offsets throughout its life, so it’s a great candidate for minimal or formal outdoor gardens.