Is Agave a Cactus? Find Out all the Details!

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Is Agave a Cactus? Or is it a quirky succulent? If you are not sure what exactly the plant is, keep reading to find out!

Is Agave a Cactus

People are generally not sure what agave is? Most consider it a desert succulent, some take it as a cactus, and others have absolutely no clue about it! Well, let’s take a wrap off this mystery!


What is an Agave Plant?

Agaves are a common sight in the most arid regions of USA and Mexico. What makes the plant stand out, is its large and pointy leaves that come in a variety of colors. The plant is also famous for the fact that it is used to make a liquor of some kind!


Is Agave a Cactus?

Agave Plant in garden

So, is agave a cactus? Well, the straight answer to this question is, no. Why? Well, because agave belongs to a complete different family. Thought, both agaves and cacti have adapted themselves to withstand the harsh desert conditions, they have a different appearance and characteristics.

When compared to cacti, agaves have a much larger and broader leaves. They are also devoid of any stem modifications and spines, which is a common trait in most of cacti.


Agave vs. Cactus

Is Agave a Cactus 2

1. Appearance

Agaves have a large and pointy leaves that mostly have a slender appearance. Cacti, on the other hand, may be circular or elongated in shape, and have spines all over.

2. Growth

Another trait that sets agaves apart from cacti is their slow growth pattern. They also bloom just once in their lifetime. Cacti come in both slow and faster varieties, and many of them may show patterns of continuous growth.

3. Root System

When it comes to roots, agaves have a shallow root system that goes extensively in the ground. Cacti’s roots penetrate deeper into the soil for moisture, which enables them to go for a longer duration without water, as compared to agaves.

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