How to Grow Agave Plants
The Agave plant is native to the Americas. It forms a rosette of long leaves in blue- green with a variance of cream-white.. The plant is hardy in USDA growing zones 8 through 10. These zones are where the Agave plant grows best in terms of climate and soil condition. There are several varieties that are hardy in lower growing zones, but most will not tolerate cold weather conditions. Grow small varieties of the agave plant in a container in non-hardy growing zones to allow for indoor winter protection. The plant will thrive outdoors in the desert climate growing zones when water is provided. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Agave plant
- Container
- Potting soil
- Ground Soil
- Pumice
- Shovel
- Water
- Drip line
- 20-20-20 fertilizer
- Metal cage
- Miticide
Instructions
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Plant the agave in a container that has a well drained soil consisting of equal parts native ground soil, potting soil and pumice.
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Transplant large agave plants in the ground at the soil same level it was in the pot. Take caution with the delicate root system to prevent damage. There is no need to make soil amendments.
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Place the agave plant in a location that offers filtered sunlight but not shade. Mature plants can tolerate full sun if adequate water is supplied during the summer months.
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Water the agave plant with a drip line that administers one gallon of water per hour. Water the agave for two to four hours per week during the summer months. Decrease the water application in the winter months to one gallon per month as the plant should be kept at a dry level during this season.
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Apply a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer monthly during the growing seasons in the spring and fall months.
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Monitor water application and soil drainage during the summer months to prevent crown rot on the plant.
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Place metal cages around the agave plants if rabbits are chewing on the plant leaves.
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Monitor the plant regularly to prevent damage due to mites. The mites will cause damage to the tissue which will deform the leaves. Apply a miticide to eliminate the problem.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant the agave in a container or directly into the ground in hardy growing zones. Some varieties reach a height of 3 feet and are not compatible with container growing.
