Agave
Agave americana and Agave spp.
Agaves form bold rosettes of thick, often spiny leaves in blue-grey, green or variegated forms. They need almost no water, thrive in heat, and suit rock gardens, dry borders and large pots.
Photo: Jim Evans · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Watering
Low
Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry. Keep dry in winter and protect from waterlogging.
Soil
Sandy, gritty, very well-drained soil; pH 6.0–8.0.
Temperature and humidity
0–46 °C · Low humidity
Feeding
Rarely needed.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by offsets, seed
Remove dead lower leaves. Trim spine tips near paths if needed.
The sap irritates skin and can cause stomach upset in pets; the spines can cause injury.
Top Cultivation Tips
Plant away from paths and play areas.
Remove pups to make new plants.
Wear gloves and eye protection when handling.
The plant dies after its single tall flowering.
Common problems
Mealybugs
White, cottony insects that hide in leaf joints and under leaves, weakening plants and spreading easily to neighbours.
How to treat it →DiseaseRoot rot
Roots decay in waterlogged soil, so the plant wilts and yellows even though the soil is wet.
How to treat it →PestScale insects
Immobile, shell-covered insects that cling to stems and leaves, draining sap and weakening trees and houseplants.
How to treat it →
