A phenomenon that only happens once in a lifetime, the agave bloom is happening in the front yard of Longs local, Martha Monahan. Monahan is 84 years old and lives in Polo Farms. She has an agave ready to burst in her front yard.
She purchased the potted plant 16 years ago in Ashe, N.C. She and her husband planted it in their front yard.
Martha, who was born and raised in Northern Virginia, lost her husband just four years ago. He was unfortunately unable to live long enough to see the plant bloom.
The anticipation leading up to this momentous occasion can be overwhelming, as plant owners eagerly await the majestic display of the bloom bursting with life and color. For those lucky enough to witness it firsthand, there’s nothing quite like experiencing nature’s beauty in its purest form. Those who have witnessed it first hand, say it is a spectacle that will leave you reeling with wonder and awe!
What is the Agave Americana Plant?
The Agave Americana is a perennial succulent plant that is native to the hot and arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. The plant has long, tough leaves that end in sharp points and a tall stalk that bears a beautiful bloom. The blooms are typically white or yellow, but can be any color depending on the variety of plant.
The Agave Americana is a member of the Asparagaceae family, which includes around 200 different species of plants. This particular species can grow to be up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide! The Agave Americana blooms only once in its lifetime, anywhere from 10-30 years after it has germinated. After blooming, the plant dies; however, it produces offsets or “pup” prior to its death, which take root and continue to grow, eventually blooming themselves.
While the Agave Americana is most commonly known for the delicious alcoholic beverage tequila, which is made from its blue variety (Agave Tequilana), the plant has many other uses. For example, the sap of the plant can be used as a natural adhesive, while the leaves can be used for ropes, mats, or even paper!
Where are These Agave Americana Plants Typically Found?
The Agave Americana plant is found in many places throughout the world, including the United States, Mexico, South America, and Australia. In the United States, they are commonly found in California, Texas, and Florida. In Mexico, they can be found in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. South America has them in Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. Australia has them in Tasmania and Western Australia.
The Anticipation of the Bloom
When the agave plant blooms, it is a spectacular sight. The plant sends up a tall stalk, sometimes as much as 20 feet high, that is covered in white flowers. The bloom only lasts for a few weeks, but it is an amazing event to witness.
The anticipation of the bloom is almost as exciting as the bloom itself. For months leading up to the event, people watch and wait for the plant to show signs that it is about to bloom. When the time finally comes, everyone gathers around to see the splendor of the agave in full bloom.
How Long Does it Take the Agave Flower to Bloom?
The agave flower only blooms once in its lifetime, and the event is an eagerly anticipated one by both the plant’s owner and onlookers. The wait for the bloom can be up to 35 years long, though typically it happens between 10 and 30 years after the agave plant has been planted.
When the time finally comes, the agave produces a tall stalk (known as a “queen”) topped with a cluster of white or yellow flowers. The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects, which swarm to the plant in large numbers. After pollination, the Queen dies and the stalk collapses, leaving behind a circular scar.
While it may seem like a sad end to such a long-awaited event, the death of the Queen signals new life for the agave plant. From the collapsed stalk emerges numerous small replication plants, known as “pups”, that will eventually grow into full-sized agaves themselves. In this way, the cycle of life continues for this amazing plant.
What is the Significance of This Event?
The agave plant is a true wonder of the natural world. For centuries, it has been an important part of the culture and economy of Mexico, providing food, drink, and fiber for the people who live there. The agave blooms only once in its lifetime, and when it does, it is a momentous event.
This year, 2018, marks the hundredth anniversary of the last time that the agave bloomed. That event was so significant that it was widely reported in the news at the time. Now, a new generation gets to witness this rare event.
The anticipation of the agave bloom is palpable in Mexico. People are making plans to travel from all over the country to see it. Hotels are booking up fast and restaurants are preparing special menu items featuring agave products. It is truly a momentous occasion.
How to Prepare for Witnessing the Bloom
If you’re lucky enough to live near an agave plant, or have one in your own yard, you may be able to witness the amazing sight of its bloom. The Agave americana, or century plant, blooms only once in its lifetime – and then it dies. But the bloom is an event that’s well worth witnessing, as it’s truly a sight to behold.
Here are some tips on how to best prepare for witnessing the agave bloom:
- Do your research. Find out when the plant is expected to bloom, and make sure you’ll be able to be there to see it. You don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
- Make sure you have a clear view of the plant. You’ll want to be able to see it in all its glory, so make sure there are no obstructions in your way.
- Bring a camera! This is an event you’ll definitely want to document and share with others.
- Be patient. The bloom may last for several days or even weeks, so don’t expect it to happen overnight. Enjoy the process and savor every moment of this rare event.
Tips for Photographing and Capturing the Blooms
When photographing and capturing the blooms of the Agave plant, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to get the best results. Here are some tips:
-The Agave plant blooms infrequently, so make sure to take advantage of the opportunity when it does! This means having your camera ready at all times.
-The blooms only last for a few days, so timing is everything. Pay attention to the weather forecast and try to plan your photography around when the blooms will be at their peak.
-Early morning or late evening light is typically the best for photography, so plan accordingly.
-If possible, get up close and personal with the bloom. Use a tripod if needed for stability, and use macro settings or close focusing if your camera has them. This will help you capture all the intricate details of the bloom.
-Experiment with different angles and perspectives to get unique shots. And don’t forget to take photos of the whole plant, not just the bloom!