Sometimes referred to as the agave cactus, the agave plant (Agave spp.) produces thick, fleshy, sword-shaped leaves. There are hundreds of varieties of agaves, ranging in hues from blues to greens. Gardeners use agave plants as focal points, and in rock gardens, cacti gardens and arid landscape plantings. Planting these perennial succulents requires special care and consideration to ensure they grow successfully.
Climate and Culture
Agave plants grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Naturally drought tolerant, agaves prefer warm, dry climates but will grow in rainy areas as long as the planting location meets specific requirements. These succulents grow best in the warmest areas of a landscape, usually those with a southern exposure. They need full sunlight for at least six hours per day. Any soil type will do, even poor soil, as long as it is fast draining and has a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
The best time to plant agaves in the landscape is in the spring, once soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures will slow and stunt root growth. Digging a planting hole twice as wide and equal in depth to the plant's root ball will ensure adequate room to position the plant. Massage the bottom of the root ball gently to spread the roots outward and encourage healthy root growth. Do not plant the agave deeper than it was previously growing, because the plant crown may develop rot if buried underground.
Water and Fertilizer
You should water the agave thoroughly just after planting to reduce transplant shock. Wait until the top 1 to 2 inches of soil begins to dry before watering the plant again. Keeping the soil lightly moist, but never soggy, will prevent the plant's moisture-sensitive roots from rotting before they become established. Your established agaves need supplemental irrigation only during prolonged periods of little to no rainfall. Do not fertilize a newly planted agave; instead, wait until the plant is established. A spring application of 10-10-10 nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium slow-release fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per plant will provide nutrients to young or extremely slow growing specimens.
To keep the leaves from burning and slightly reduce moisture loss while new roots are growing, drape a light shade cloth over the top of the plant. Remove the shade cloth as soon as the agave produces new growth, a sign that it has established a new root system. Do not trim the foliage of recently transplanted agaves. Wait until the plant is producing new growth before removing old leaves.
- University of California: Agave
- University of California IPM Online: Agave -- Agave Spp.
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Agave and Yucca: Tough Plants for Tough Times
- Gardening in the Desert: A Guide to Plant Selection & Care; Mary Irish
- Taylor's Master Guide to Gardening; Rita Buchanan, et al.
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images