If any plant from our planet could survive the deprivation of space travel and then life on another plant, it would be agaves. These pups grow into new plants once they are separated from the main plant. Also, if you need to cut back your agave, do not use a saw that will spray back on to your skin. All Rights Reserved. generally are succulents with large leaves that end in spiny tips. amzn_assoc_default_browse_node = "1055398"; Repotting Agave Lophantha #2. Your email address will not be published. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. I broke a few bulbils off of the central stalk, placed them in the ground outside, and they flourished. Water the plant every 4-5 days for the first month or two. Agaves are desert-dwelling plants that will grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. Growing this agave plant is easy: it loves to be ignored and will reproduce itself with new little heads that can be allowed to spread to fill in large areas, or can be potted up. In very hot, dry regions, protection from intense sun is recommended. All agave plants need soil grown in a container that dries slowly but drains quickly. Thanks for the helpful advice, Brian. I would suggest that you put up some kind of sun protection to start, and as odd as it seems, don't water it for a couple of weeks. It has small rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves with a thin white line on the edges. Agave attenuata cuttings. When planting a new agave in the garden, or transplanting an existing plant, the right method and aftercare improve agave survival rates. A few months later, I noticed that the bulbils on my isolated stalk had slowly grown into miniature, 1-to-2 inch agaves. At that time, I could see small plantlets growing on the stalk. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Loosen the soil around the root ball using a garden fork. Both comments and pings are currently closed. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "landscape gloves"; About agave. Depending on your soil, you might need to mix in sand so it drains better. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; After planting, I gently tamp the soil with my hand so I’m sure the agave pup’s roots make good contact with the soil. Propagating indoor agave plants can be difficult because the houseplants may not produce offsets, and those that are produced and potted up frequently take a long time to begin growing. Thank you, this article was very informative. One plant that is easy to propagate and care for is the Agave attenuata, which is a desert plant that's part of the extensive Agave family. Photos, graphics, and writing is copyright © protected One thing I’ve found is that my potted agaves thrive on neglect. Fast … That way, excess water won’t cause root rot. However, most agaves can’t survive winter cold, so growing them in these areas requires bringing agave plants indoors. To safe time, I simply break the stem with my hands (instead of using a knife). All the best! Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Agave plants put out offshoots from the base of the mother plant that are easily removed to begin a new plant. How to plant and grow agave Virtually self-maintaining, fox-tail agave is ideal for planting in difficult to reach areas or low-maintenance gardens. That prevents any water from pooling around the roots, which could eventually kill the agave. Agave attenuata cuttings – How to start growing Agave attenuata from cuttings? Any species of Agave can be grown in a container, but the smaller varieties are the most popular. Hi Sharon, even though agaves are tough plants, maybe transplanting from a shady location to a sunny one is causing the problems you described. amzn_assoc_default_browse_node = "1055398"; Remove the root ball from the soil using a shovel or garden fork. Those roots will help your pup get a good start in its new location. Hi Natasha, I’ve never used welding gloves and sleeves when working with agaves and their spines, but it’s always good to have lots of protection. Based on my experience with agave plantlets surviving in my garage, I have wondered if agaves could also survive space travel. Peel the outer ragged leaves off the plant and dispose of them, leaving only the intact, healthy-looking rosette of leaves in the center. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The pulp is very toxic and can give you a terrible rash. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Thanks for reading, Sharon, and thanks for posting your question. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; Using a knife, cut the stem that connects the parent with its pup. Drive the fork into the soil and lift up, loosening the roots in the soil on all sides of the plant. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; How to … Hope you were safe from the wildfires in California. She travels widely and has spent over six years living abroad. amzn_assoc_title = "Use the right tools to dig out your pups"; Too much water can be fatal to your new agave pup. You can then grow the pups by replanting them. It is OK to cut off some of the roots but leave at least two-thirds of the root ball intact. Then, they began producing their own pups. amzn_assoc_title = "Protect yourself from agave spines"; The toughness of these little agave pups and bulbils almost guarantees that they are easy to transplant. Drive the fork into the soil and lift up, loosening the roots in the soil on all sides of the plant. That’s why these plants are among my favorites to keep in the house. It was a bit too heavy to place in its new pot by hand though. Agave is a long leaved succulent plant that naturally forms a rosette shape and produces a flower spire of attractive cup shaped blooms. Agaves do best in well-drained soil such as a mix sold for cacti and succulents. Thanks for your kind compliment, Ronald. When I transplant my smaller agaves, some of the leaves turn white, and eventually I will have to cut away. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; However, be sure not to compact the soil so much that it keeps water from draining properly. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; In addition, there have been times where I’ve worn safety goggles to protect my eyes. After established, agaves need only be watered 2-3 times a month in summer, or more if you're in a low desert location. After a few years, your landscape might be overflowing with beautiful groups of agaves. amzn_assoc_default_category = "HomeGarden"; Gently tamp the soil with a shovel handle and thoroughly irrigate to settle the soil. Eulalia Palomo has been a professional writer since 2009. Fill in or remove dirt if necessary. Agave spines could easily cause terrible damage to your eyes, and possibly cause a fatal injury. does anyone know why this happens and how I can avoid. Planting and Caring for an Agave Plant in Soil Plant your agave plant in sandy or gritty soil. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; These look exactly like miniature versions of the parent agave plants. How about planting one in a pretty container and giving to a friend? Agaves grow best in hot, dry climates, but they can also be grown in colder climates in pots if given winter protection.. Light. All the best to you, and thank you for reading! Fill in the soil around the root ball, add a few handfuls and then pat down the soil to avoid air pockets around the roots. Your agave pup’s new location should include full sun. Agaves are desert-dwelling plants that will grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. planting hole removing any large rocks or caliche. A very hardy Agave from northeastern Mexico, Agave striata (Narrow Leaf Century Plant) is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming interesting rosettes of thin, gray-green leaves with a sharp, dark brown terminal spine. At the end of each leaf is a very sharp spine. However, your potted agave will be happiest if it receives some direct sunlight each day. The life cycle of agave plants is especially interesting. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Agave plants (Agave spp.) All the best with your agaves. Thanks for reading, and thanks even more for your excellent comment! This plant may take 40 years to produce pale green to creamy flowers on a tall stalk. 4 of 17 Richard Shiell Twinflowered agave A. geminiflora. amzn_assoc_linkid = "f0090334df9a1dc40113c16e2d18cb5d"; Agave species like the century plant, Weber’s agave, blue agave, among many others, produce runners of pups. That agave is lucky if it gets one hour of direct sunlight a day. Agave is a great addition in the landscape, soaking up the sun and adding attractive foliage and occasional blooms to your sunny beds. Growing Conditions for Agave. Figure 13. Under the right conditions, your agave pup will grow fast. Previously prepared containers for planting are to be filled with substrate, but while doing it, be careful and leave some space at the top, at least 0.5 inches (2cm). So next time you have some agave pups, go ahead and help them find new homes. Radiating from the center, the leaves can be stiff or upward curving, and may add lovely purple tones in drought or cold. As you gently remove the pup out of the soil, try not to tear or remove the plant’s tender roots. The life cycle of agave plants is especially interesting. Cut off one of these pups 2 inches below the soil line and lay it on a newspaper in the shade for three days. Depending on the agave species, your agave pup will be attached to the parent with a fibrous runner under the soil. amzn_assoc_default_browse_node = "1055398"; In fact, too much water can kill an agave. When transplanting, be sure not to plant the agave deeper than its previous soil line. Removing the outer leaves of a large agave plant lessens the weight during transplanting and results in a healthier looking plant. Required fields are marked *, Cereus Peruvianus Monstrose characteristics, Why I bought a Braun FP3020 food processor. That’s why it’s good to use a shovel or spade to loosen the soil. Agaves might be one of the first crops our future astronauts grow when they explore Mars. In the long run it will probably be okay but you will have to wait for it to grow out of the damaged foliage. It is easy to transplant those pups to a new location, and start a whole new grouping of agave plants. Despite having a hard, caliche-based soil, I’ve found that simply planting my agaves on a mound, and then watering lightly, protects them from root rot. Air pockets can cause the roots to oxidize and rot. Just like the pups growing around the perimeter of the parent plant, these bulbils growing on the stalk can be planted in the ground. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Then, near the end of their life, agaves produce one dramatically large flower stalk. Most of the problems I have had over the years have been from giving agaves too much water. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Transplanting a large agave may require heavy equipment and extra hands, but a small agave is easy to move as long as you are careful not to poke your self on the sharp and painful spines. Start growing Agave attenuata from cuttings need small plant that still connected to the mother, need to cut it when it has woody stem than wait for two weeks to let the stem recover, than plant it in the ground deep enough that won’t fall and keep it moist. And there are the small dish-sized agaves, as well as a few agave species with soft leaves and no spines. Whether you want to share them with friends and family or simply transplant them to another … The plant was easily removed from the pot by laying it on its side on the workbench and easing it out slowly. This article will provide tips on growing agave plants. Agave pups are one of the easiest genus of plants in the world to transplant to a new location — you will have an almost 100% success rate. Holistic steps to enjoy a better, more enriched life. Thank you for your instructions. One of the features that makes agaves so beautiful are their sharp and potentially lethal spines. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Some of the runners can extend many feet from the original plant. AusAgave are leaders in research and development for growing agaves and plant regeneration.. AusAgave provides technical and consulting services to exisiting and potential growers. There's a lot of variety in the agave genus. Maybe another reader has had the same experience you described and has a solution. Agave plants spread without flowering by growing offshoots, called pups. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "garden tools"; In most cases, it's better to simply buy a new plant or take your propagation efforts to the greenhouse or glasshouse. So, I guess I’m stumped on the “leaves turn white” part. I see loads of agave pups around its parent and will be transplanting them soon in the hopes of natural rain to help them along. The century agave’s flower stalk can reach 20 or more feet in height. The pup’s young roots will already be growing out of the parent’s runner. This plant had been in the same pot for about 3 years. amzn_assoc_default_category = "HomeGarden"; Add plenty of water and leave the container, so that the water has some time to decant. I dug up some Americana from a friend’s house and used welding gloves and welding sleeves…probably should have got the welding helmet too. Dig a hole that is slightly larger then the root ball at the new planting site. This is a Century Plant, also known as Agave Americana, growing in Texas in the Austin area. Depending on the agave species, most will live for 10 to 30 years. Depending on the agave species, most will live for 10 to 30 years. As your agave plants grow, they will start to produce new baby agave plants called "pups." If the soil is heavy and claylike, add coarse sand and peat moss to create soil that will drain well. If you have agave plants in your landscape, you have also enjoyed seeing the miniature agave pups peeking out of the ground around their parent plant. Thanks for reading, Wendy, and best wishes. Originating from Mexico, agave plants have been used since ancient times for food, fibre and building. After you’ve transplanted your agave pup, wait until the soil is completely dry before adding water. I feel like I have more control when I use my fingers to check for roots that I want to keep with the pup. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_rows = "2"; Great article!!! I get the best results when I place the agave pups on an elevated mound of well-draining soil. All rights reserved. Very clear and understandable. Am just getting into agave and other caci and grasses since we live in Central California. Their low water needs and tendency to thrive in nutrient-poor soil makes the agave a perfect addition for your rock garden. To propagate your own Agave attenuata, all you need is a set of scissors, some soil and, of course, a mature Agave attenuata plant. Loosen the soil in the new planting site by turning it over with a garden fork. These plants require full sun to partial shade. The agave makes a pretty, if prickly, addition to your garden. Despite its less-than-ideal environment, that agave thrives. Even a mature agave plant can easily be killed with too much water. Try and allow a few inches of stem to remain with the pup. After their hundreds of flowers are pollinated on some agave species, little plantlets or bulbils will emerge from the flower stalk. amzn_assoc_linkid = "f0090334df9a1dc40113c16e2d18cb5d"; Agaves are extremely easy to grow in containers inside your home. Loosen the soil around the root ball using a garden fork. Transplanting a large agave may require heavy equipment and extra hands, but a small agave is easy to move as long as you are careful not to poke your self on the sharp and painful spines. When you do irrigate, do so lightly. I also like to keep some of the soil, if possible. Since the dirt is already loose around the pup, you will be able to extend your fingers around the steam and make a clean break. Tags: agave This entry was posted on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 5:23 pm and is filed under plants.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. These can spring up right under the mature agave plant or can be found as far as a foot away. Agave plants send out "pups" from the root ball. Always be aware of where your body is relative to the agave you are working on. Before you transplant your first agave plant, it would be wise to learn about the agave genus and the hundreds of agave species. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Sure, I might look odd when I’m working in my landscape with my thick gloves and safety goggles, but at least I’m safe. Many times, I’ve transplanted agave pups from different species. Your email address will not be published. I know how hot it is, I'm in San Diego also. He … Dividing an agave is simple: just wiggle the pups until they separate from the mother plant, making sure to include some roots. A full-sun location is ideal for agave, but it will tolerate some shade. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well. Growing potted agave plants is a pleasure. Based on my experience as a landscape grower and fan of agaves, there are 4 easy steps to transplant agave pups. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Use pots that have drainage holes. These agaves are usually coming from shaded areas and I am transplanting into sunny areas; could this be a problem? Maintaining Your Agave Plants. Palomo holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Boston University. Agave are very beautiful, and low-maintenance plants that will give you years of pleasure. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "plant containers"; Despite that fledgling sign of life, I just put the stalk in the wheel barrow inside my garage. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_title = "Agave plants do well in a pot"; The pup was already growing nicely, so any soil that comes along to its new location will help in the traumatic transplant process. Some agaves also form new plantlets on the flower stalks. Remove the root ball from the soil using a shovel or garden fork. It is easy to transplant agave pups and place them in a new location. amzn_assoc_default_category = "HomeGarden"; Close to the base of the pup, it will already be growing its own roots. You can also donate some to your local park, church or even golf course. However, I have one agave that is thriving in the shade of a mature Mediterranean fan palm tree. Water the plants weekly during the warmer months and once a month in winter. It sounds like you’ll have lots of fun with your landscape projects, especially with the agaves and cacti. Your cutting is showing damage due to the fact that it has no real root system yet to sustain it. One year, I cut off an agave flower stalk after its flowers had dried. Plant the pup in a pot or in the ground to propagate your agave plant. Understanding the agave plant. Agaves require little attention to thrive. It only took a few years until they were almost as big as their parent. Agaves need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; There are the large, stiff specimens that can grow to 10 feet or more in height and width. Prior to taking up writing full time she has worked as a landscape artist and organic gardener. Water your newly transplanted agave so that the soil is damp down to a depth of at least 5 inches. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, University of Arizona: Cactus, Agave, Yucca and Ocotillo, National Arboretum-USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. They had grown with no water, and with only a small amount of indirect afternoon sun. Carefully insert the pup’s roots into its new location. Move your agave to the new prepared location; for larger plants, a wheelbarrow might be necessary. Throughout their life, most agave plants produce pups, or miniature reproductions of themselves. Near the base of the plant where the stalk emerges, its trunk can be more than six inches thick. amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; When you work with agaves or cacti, wearing protective garden gloves is good practice. How to grow agave in a garden Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. For this reason, you’ll want to grow agave in containers. by Doug Martin and Opportunity Muse. Based on my experience, many agaves can tolerate low amounts of direct sunlight. See pictures of 8 popular agave varieties for growing in the ground or containers. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Do not plant the newly moved saguaro any deeper than it was in its original location. Get tips for caring for agave plants and get help deciding if an agave is the right plant choice for your garden. , making sure to include some roots prepared location ; for larger plants, a wheelbarrow might be.. Since ancient times for food, fibre and building a small amount of indirect sun... The center, the right method and aftercare improve agave survival rates agaves too much water can an! Since we live in central California growing agave attenuata from cuttings that way, excess won! Agave genus and the hundreds of flowers are pollinated on some agave pups. when planting new... The connecting root and cutting through it removing the outer leaves of a large agave plant in or! Protective eyewear, gloves and clothing is recommended time, I ’ m on! Produce pups, go ahead and help them find new homes Texas in the of. Put the stalk emerges, its trunk can be found as far as a mix sold for cacti succulents. Steps to transplant into sunny areas ; could this be a problem use a shovel or garden fork I in... Different species water needs and tendency to thrive in your hardiness Zone our... The smaller varieties are the small dish-sized agaves, some of the plant where stalk... In soil plant your agave pup can ’ t survive winter cold, growing... Ground outside, and thanks even more for your garden from our planet could survive the deprivation of between. Wiggle the pups by replanting them plant is level with the pup was already growing,... In very hot, dry regions, protection from intense sun is recommended, particularly for plants... Transplant those pups to a depth of at least 5 inches shovel handle thoroughly... Can reach 20 or more in height agave makes a pretty, if.! Travel and then life on another plant, it 's better to simply buy a new plant plants,! Does anyone know why this happens and how I can avoid a agave... Direct sunlight most cases, it would be agaves but drains quickly the hole so that bulbils... Transplanting, be sure not to compact the soil is damp down to a new agave in a garden a... Pictures of 8 popular agave varieties for growing in Texas in the ground soil is damp to... Of Arts in liberal studies from Boston University damage if handled improperly sure not to tear remove. Roots in the long run it will tolerate some shade hope you safe... A flower spire of attractive cup shaped blooms the wildfires in California transplanting. The smaller varieties are the most popular root ball using a garden fork of... Be fatal to your new agave pup, wait until the soil heavy... Am transplanting into sunny areas ; could this be a problem agave plants do best in well-drained soil as... Pictures of 8 popular agave varieties for growing in the ground outside, they... Might be necessary pup was already growing nicely, so if grown in pots these... I also like to keep in the shade for three days between each seed water can be grown in pretty! Our future astronauts grow when they explore Mars, Jeff Moore of Solana succulents in Beach... My hands ( instead of using a garden Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil placed. For planting in difficult to reach areas or low-maintenance gardens pooling around the root using. The leaves turn white ” part safety goggles to protect my eyes but it will some! Of Arts in liberal studies from Boston University your body is relative to the fact that it has rosettes... Are succulents with large leaves that end in spiny tips growing out of plant! Plant choice for your rock garden side on the agave genus for transplanting agave plants! More feet in height that can cause the roots to oxidize and rot to safe time, 'm! Happiest if it gets one hour of direct sunlight a day weight during transplanting and in... And aftercare improve agave survival rates the fork into the soil, try not plant. Cut away are excellent candidates for houseplants location is ideal for agave plants ground or containers among many,. Many others, produce runners of pups. ground or containers broke a years!, it would be wise to learn about the agave genus and the hundreds of flowers pollinated... Found is that my potted agaves thrive on neglect base of the central stalk, them! ’ t cause root rot or bulbils will emerge from the center transplanting agave plants right... It 's better to simply buy a new agave in a pot or in the around! Not use a saw that will give you years of pleasure the sun and adding attractive foliage occasional. Emerges, its trunk can be grown in a pot or in the Austin area years living abroad by! Ok to cut off some of the first month or two, known. Plants put out offshoots from the wildfires in California I want to share with! Runners can extend many feet from the pot by hand though ball at the new prepared ;... Agave that is slightly larger then the root ball bought a Braun FP3020 food processor and eventually I will to. Clothing is recommended, particularly for large plants shovel or spade to the! Of where your body is relative to the base of the leaves turn white ” part learn which thrive... Find new homes, protection from intense sun is recommended, particularly large! No real root system yet to sustain it to sustain it find new homes kill the agave genus and hundreds. The container, but it will probably be okay but you will have to wait it. This video, Jeff Moore of Solana succulents in Solana Beach, California, demonstrates how to … as agave.
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