Agave: planting, growing and combining this succulent
The agave comes from Mexico and the neighbouring arid regions. It forms a rosette of fleshy, often toothed leaves ending in a very sharp spine, in shades from glaucous green to steel blue. Depending on the species it ranges from 20 to 30 cm up to over 2 m tall. For lovers of water-storing plants it is a very useful relative: little upkeep, but plenty of character.
The decisive point is drainage. The guide from Jardiner Malin explains that most losses come from too much water in winter, far more than from cold. It recommends at least 6 hours of full sun a day, a stony or sandy soil lightened by 30 to 50% drainage materials (coarse sand, pumice, lime-free gravel) and, in humid climates, a mineral mound 20 to 30 cm high to raise the rosette. A mineral mulch warms the soil and shows the plant off.
In a pot, the suggested substrate is about 50% cactus compost, 30% pumice or gravel and 20% coarse sand, in a heavy, drilled pot 20 to 30% wider than the rosette. Overwintering is done frost-free, in a very bright spot, between 5 and 10 °C, with almost no watering. During the season, watering is moderate from May to September, letting the whole root ball dry out.
As for hardiness, A. parryi and A. ovatifolia tolerate down to -12/-15 °C in dry soil, while A. attenuata does not tolerate less than -2 °C. Many agaves are monocarpic: they flower only once, after which the mother rosette dies, leaving offsets. These are separated in spring or summer and left to callus for 3 to 7 days before planting.
Watch out for rot, scale insects and, in risk areas, the agave weevil. Handle the plant with thick gloves and goggles, because the terminal spine is unforgiving.
Source: Jardiner Malin
The decisive point is drainage. The guide from Jardiner Malin explains that most losses come from too much water in winter, far more than from cold. It recommends at least 6 hours of full sun a day, a stony or sandy soil lightened by 30 to 50% drainage materials (coarse sand, pumice, lime-free gravel) and, in humid climates, a mineral mound 20 to 30 cm high to raise the rosette. A mineral mulch warms the soil and shows the plant off.
In a pot, the suggested substrate is about 50% cactus compost, 30% pumice or gravel and 20% coarse sand, in a heavy, drilled pot 20 to 30% wider than the rosette. Overwintering is done frost-free, in a very bright spot, between 5 and 10 °C, with almost no watering. During the season, watering is moderate from May to September, letting the whole root ball dry out.
As for hardiness, A. parryi and A. ovatifolia tolerate down to -12/-15 °C in dry soil, while A. attenuata does not tolerate less than -2 °C. Many agaves are monocarpic: they flower only once, after which the mother rosette dies, leaving offsets. These are separated in spring or summer and left to callus for 3 to 7 days before planting.
Watch out for rot, scale insects and, in risk areas, the agave weevil. Handle the plant with thick gloves and goggles, because the terminal spine is unforgiving.
Source: Jardiner Malin
Comments 0
Leave the first comment, in any language.
Log in to comment