The agave plant is a broad - leafed succulent that takes 8 - 10 old age to mature .
One of its unequaled characteristics is that it blooms only once , before dying before long thereafter . The blooming section of the bloom exhaust all of the energy from the flora , causing it to fade .
Before it give-up the ghost , however , the flowering spear fell puppy that will bear new agave plants .
This middle - catch flora is perfect for shoot for nurseryman because of its hardy nature .
There are legion character of agave , render you a wide diverseness to choose from . Currently , thePlants of The World Onlinewebsite recognizes 269 species in the agave syndicate .
We have choose 4 of the most democratic agave species that will make your garden the invidia of the neighborhood . We ’ll go through them one by one to give you some horticultural inspiration .
Types of Agave
Agaves are drought - resistant , giving them the power to grow in harsh environment .
The fountain like mannikin makes for a salient accession to any garden . Planting the fleshy - leafed agave can provide a beautiful direct contrast with more finely - textured plants .
Most agaves range from three to six base tall . They opt dryer precondition and do not involve much H2O . Over - watering will clog up their beginning , so they should be planted in coarse filth with good drainage .
Agave works are indigenous to Mexico and Southwest America but they can mature across many role of the orb .
Take a smell at the four varietals below to gain some agave insights :
Agave Tequilana
This plant has a typical spiky appearance and is also known as racy agave or tequila cactus – although it is n’t actually a cactus .
The unique gentle color of this brilliant backyard succulent is extremely beguiling . It has sharp needle - work spines on the broad leaves , so use caution when handling .
Agave tequilanaloves a hot , sunny environs and can reach up to 8 feet in either direction . embed it in a mellow - clearance domain so it does not get stunted or shade .
GrowAgave tequilanainUSDA partition 9b and 10and keep in mind that it does not do well under 50 ° F .
The plant usually survive for 8 - 14 old age .
After plant the blue agave , water it once a week for a calendar month . Once the succulent grows , make certain it have water at least once a calendar month . The soil needs to be completely dry before water again . It should stay relatively moist , especially during the summer calendar month , but avoid overwatering .
Since blue agave begin being industrially grow for tequila output , the previouslyunknown disease ‘ Tristeza’has spread and cause many deaths .
If your succulent suffers from the disease , this can lead to the stem and radical char , and the heart getting infect by weevil . The surround tissues rot and turn cerise due to the virulent bacterium .
Luckily , it in the main pretend plantation - grown agaves , so this is unbelievable to take place in your garden .
If your garden experience temperatures below 28 ° fluorine , wrap up the plant with old blankets .
Fertilize the blue century plant in early spring using plant food specially made for cacti . Note that fertilizing encourages flowering , after which the plant will die .
Agave Americana
This a large perennial flora , with long , sharp leaves .
TheAgave americanaleaves are blue - green in colouration , and they reach up to 6 foot long . The vernacular ‘ Yellow Ribbons ’ variety is immature with yellow stripes .
At maturity , it produce a anthesis straw that can gain up to 15 feet magniloquent with yellow - green flush .
This is the most commonly get laid agave , also bearing the name ‘ century plant ’ . Once think to flower only once every 100 , this majestic evergreen agave plant actually lives around 20 - 30 age , flowers , and then dies .
The flower head of each plant can raise as much as 1000 litre of sap calledaguamiel(honey water ) . This is fermented intopulque , a viscous drink popular in Mexico .
Agave nectar from the essence of the plant makes a lure that substitutes for dearest and sugar .
Plant agave in well - drained soil and full Sunday , although it can tolerate light shade . A. americanagrows best in USDA zones 8 - 10 .
TheA. americanahas low water system necessity and grows rapidly during summertime . To avoid root rot , make indisputable the soil remains dry between watering sessions .
Once agave plant life are fledged and rooted , they can be neglected and grow with minimal piddle .
Agave weevil is the most common pest , particularly in the desert regions . Take a expression at the picture below to see how to get free of this pest .
If you are thinking of growingA. americana , the plant will thrive both indoors and outside . This character of agave grows best at a temperature of at least 50 ° F .
Only fertilize this agave every two workweek when it is actively rise . Once mature , fertilize only once during the farm time of year .
Agave Parryi
Also known as Parry ’s agave or Mescal agave , this is a herbaceous perennial .
IIts folio are unambiguously distort with dreary - gray - green rosettes and a dark tip . This species of agaves progress to up to 2 feet tall by 3 foundation full .
It prime from between 10 - 15 age with the stalk get through up to 20 feet tall .
Agave parryiprefers an environment with dry soil , full sunlight , and it can tolerate drouth . It is also make love to handle ‘ ironic winters ’ with temperature as low as 20 ° F .
Plant agave within USDA zones 7 - 10 .
Like most agaves , this coinage prefers well - draining territory , without overweening piddle .
This is a peculiarly stout agave plant , with no known pest or disease that it is susceptible to .
This eccentric of agave can often outgrow small spaces .
You do not need to worry much about this finicky agave industrial plant caution as it ’s fine being left alone .
Use liquid plant food for younger flora during the summertime , but do not feed during the winter .
Agave Attenuata
This agave plant is also have a go at it as the king of beasts ’s tail , swan ’s neck , or foxtail grass .
It can grow up to 4 ft tall , and twice as wide .
The leaves on this case of agave are silvery , green - chickenhearted rosettes . The leaves arise from a boneheaded stem , then graciously arch rearward like an open flower .
Foxtail century plant grow good in USDA zones 10 - 12 . They prefer to produce in gravelly , well - drained filth in full sun .
you’re able to use a pre - mixed cactus admixture or combine a mixture of soil , guts , and perlite .
Like most agaves , foxtail grass are drought tolerant but you should still hydrate them regularly . If planted in full sunshine , you will need to provide wet more often than you would other types .
This plant is not probable to put up tooth root rot like most other agave plant , but it is still advisable not to overwater .
If this agave isgrown in poor conditions , it may lead in infection by scale dirt ball . These suck the moisture out of the plant until it finally die . Your best choice is to supply well - draining soil and enough sunlight .
These type of agave plants sometimes struggle with inordinate heat as the foliage are quite crank . To protect your plant , set it in fond shade . Furthermore , do n’t leave it out of doors when it ’s exceedingly cold , as it can not handle freeze .
Grow Your Choice of Agave
When rise agave plant , you’re able to decide which ones you would like to constitute depending on :
The attention is minimal as plant agave means growing some of the easiesttypes of succulents .
you may geminate them with other succulent such asaloe veraor apply them as accent pieces in your garden .
But that ’s not all you’re able to do . Your garden is a topographic point full of possibilities and all you need is big advice on how to transform it to your liking .
The Gardening Channel is the best place for all the pro - tips to keep your garden healthy and beautiful . From develop agave to all other kinds of works , fruits , and veggie . Read our blogto stand out in your gardening venture .
Photo fromunsplash.combyDulcey Lima
