Mexican Lily Beschorneria septentrionalis
ABOUT
Beschorneria septentrionalis, commonly known as False Red Agave, is a striking perennial succulent. The plant features a basal rosette of long, slender leaves. These leaves are typically a rich green color, and their surfaces can range from smooth to slightly textured. The edges of the leaves are often adorned with fine, small teeth that run along their margins, giving them a serrated look. At certain times of the year, the False Red Agave produces dramatic flower stalks. These stalks are quite showy and can be adorned with tubular flowers that are usually striking in color, often ranging from greenish to red tones. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters, providing a bold visual impact. The overall appearance of the plant is architectural and can add a tropical or desert-like feel to a garden setting. The leaves may arch gracefully, giving a sense of movement and an elegant silhouette to the plant's form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Mexican Lily, False Red Agave
Common names
Beschorneria septentrionalis
ToxicityTo humans
Beschorneria septentrionalis, commonly known as the Northern False Agave, is not widely documented as being toxic to humans. There is limited information available on the specific toxicity of this plant to humans, and it is generally not considered to be a major toxic threat. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
To pets
The Northern False Agave is also not specifically documented as being toxic to pets. However, the general lack of data on its toxicity means that caution should be exercised, as different animals may react differently to various plants. If a pet ingests part of this plant and shows signs of distress or poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is important to consult a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Beschorneria septentrionalis, commonly known as False Red Agave, is valued for its striking rosettes of long, slender leaves and dramatic flower stalks that add visual interest to garden landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Adapted to arid environments, False Red Agave requires minimal watering once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conserving gardens.
- Low Maintenance: With its slow growth rate and minimal need for pruning, False Red Agave is an ideal plant for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Pollinator Attraction: The tall, dramatic flower spikes of False Red Agave attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the surrounding ecosystem.
- Architectural Accent: Due to its bold form and texture, False Red Agave serves as an excellent architectural accent, providing structure and interest to garden designs and container plantings.
- Soil Erosion Control: The root system of False Red Agave helps to stabilize soil, making it a good choice for planting on slopes and in areas susceptible to erosion.
- Tolerance to Poor Soils: False Red Agave is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including poor soils, and can thrive in conditions where many other plants might struggle.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fiber Production: The leaves of Beschorneria septentrionalis, commonly known as Mexican Lily, can be used for producing strong fibers, suitable for making ropes and coarse textiles.
- Ornamental Use: Mexican Lily is often grown for its striking form and attractive flower spikes that add interest to landscaped gardens and parks.
- Waterwise Gardening: Due to its drought tolerance, it is an excellent choice for water-conserving xeriscape gardens, requiring minimal watering once established.
- Architectural Accent: With its long, arching leaves and dramatic flower stalks, Mexican Lily can serve as a focal point in architectural and minimalist garden designs.
- Livestock Fodder: In some regions, the foliage might be used as an emergency fodder for livestock during dry seasons.
- Boundary Marking: These plants can be used to delineate property boundaries or paths as they form dense clumps that are easy to maintain.
- Soil Erosion Control: The root system of Mexican Lily helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevents erosion in areas prone to heavy rains or winds.
- Edible Flowers: In some cultures, the flowers may be consumed, although this is not widespread and should only be done with proper knowledge to ascertain they are safe and edible.
- Educational Resource: Botany students and enthusiasts may cultivate Mexican Lily to study its unique growth patterns and adaptations.
- Cultural Significance: Mexican Lily may be used in cultural ceremonies or traditional landscaping in areas where it is indigenous, reflecting local heritage and customs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Beschorneria septentrionalis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Beschorneria septentrionalis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Beschorneria septentrionalis, commonly known as False Red Agave, is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in tough environments, symbolizing one's ability to endure challenging conditions and adapt.
- Exotic Beauty: With its unique appearance and striking red blooms, the False Red Agave represents the allure of the exotic and the beauty found in diversity and unconventional forms.
- Longevity: As a perennial plant, the False Red Agave has a long life cycle, signifying longevity, lasting presence, and the passage of time.
WaterMexican Lily should be watered approximately once a week, but the frequency depends on the climate and season. It’s crucial to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Water deeply until it runs from the drainage holes, using about one to two gallons depending on the size of the plant and pot. During the winter or in cooler climates, reduce watering to every other week or less, only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
LightMexican Lily thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily but can also do well with dappled shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day. Avoid placing it in full shade as this can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureMexican Lily does well in a temperature range of 50°F to 90°F and can tolerate a minimum of 20°F for short periods. The ideal temperatures for this plant are between 60°F and 80°F. Protection from frost is necessary since temperatures below 20°F can damage or even kill the plant.
PruningMexican Lily should be pruned to remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks to encourage fresh growth and maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning is during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is not required frequently, usually only once a year or as necessary to remove old foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMexican Lily requires well-draining soil with ample organic material. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingMexican Lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its pot. This allows for replenishment of soil nutrients and root pruning if necessary.
Humidity & MistingMexican Lily prefers moderate humidity levels. It thrives in an environment that maintains a humidity level of 40-50% which is typical of many homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate water.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleMexican lily (Beschorneria septentrionalis) begins its life cycle as a seed, typically dispersed by wind or animal activity. The seeds germinate when conditions are favorable, often requiring warm temperatures and well-drained soil. Once germinated, the seedling develops into a juvenile plant with a rosette of long, fleshy leaves. As it matures, the Mexican lily may take several years to reach reproductive maturity, at which point it produces a tall flower spike that can be up to 10 feet high, bearing greenish-purple flowers. After flowering, which may take a few years to occur and can last several weeks, the plant usually dies, but not before it produces seeds to continue the species. Additionally, the Mexican lily can propagate vegetatively through offsets (pups) that form around the base of the parent plant, ensuring its survival beyond the life of the individual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Beschorneria septentrionalis, commonly known as Mexican Lily, can be propagated effectively through the division of its offsets or "pups" that form at the base of the mature plant. This is typically done in the spring or early summer when the plant’s growth is more vigorous. To propagate, carefully remove the offsets from the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring each offset has a portion of roots attached. After separating the offsets, allow them to dry for a few days to form a callus over the cut surface which helps prevent rotting. Once the callus has formed, plant the offsets in well-draining soil and water sparingly, just enough to keep the soil slightly moist, until they establish their own root systems and begin to show new growth. The division method maintains the genetic fidelity of the new plants to the parent and is usually successful, given appropriate care and environmental conditions.
