Expert: Greg Simpson - 4/11/2004

Question
We have a large cactus in our front yard. We did not plant it so I don't know what kind it is. About 2 weeks ago we noticed that the cactus had grown a hugh ( I think that it is called a bloom spike ) about 15' or so and is growing rapidley. Do you know what will happen with this and is something like this worth a lot of money? It sort of looks like a giant artchoke with big spikes on the end of each leaf.Any info on this will be apperciated.  

Answer
Dear Ann,

It sounds like to me what you have is an Agave or "century plant". Depending on the type, they can be worth some money. However, when they flower, the plant dies. The flowers will produce either seeds or little "plantlets" that can be rooted. There is no way stop the process, so the only way to keep your plant is through propagating it.
Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg