Care Guide Agaves

Introducing the Agave family of plants This beautiful outdoor plant is the perfect addition to any home. Agave plants are easy to care for, and is a great choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance plant. The Agave is a member of the succulent family, and originates from Mexico. Agaves offer a blend of colors and textures, can grow up to 6 feet tall depending on variety. The Agave is a drought tolerant plant, and does not require much water. When watering your Agave be sure to not over water, as this can lead to root rot. The Agave is an incredibly versatile plant, and can be used in many different ways. Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance houseplant, or a beautiful addition to your landscaping, the Agave is the perfect choice!

DISCLOSURE - Please note Agave are susceptible to some yellowing and browning of the bottom leaves, this is a natural process as the plant grows and shoots new leaves bottom ones will begin deteriorate gradually, you may prune the frond from the bottom section of its own stem about an inch from the main trunk, this will also help the plant remain vibrant and promote new growth while exposing the main trunk.

PLANTING AND CARE - Planting recommendations, select an area with FULL SUN, Agave are easily grown in a wide range of soils with good drainage, avoid wet soggy soils. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as your new plant’s root ball and deep enough so that the top of the root ball is parallel with the ground level. Place the plant in the hole and ensure that it is situated upright, use the excavated soil to back fill around the root ball, tamp down to ensure air pockets are eliminated, thoroughly soak with a hose as you fill in the dirt. A 2-3 inch layer of organic hardwood mulch is strongly recommended, it will help retain moisture and discourage weed growth.

LIGHT - Select an area with FULL SUN or Partial Shade

WATER - Agave are very drought tolerant, water once a week during the first two months, once stablished rain water will suffix.

FERTILIZING – No need to fertilize right away, We fertilize our plants during the production phase with slow release fertilizer which can last an additional 2-3 months supplying residual nutrients to the plant. Once you do decide to fertilize You may use a fertilizer formulated for interior plants, preferably a slow release fertilizer 180 days duration, fertilize during spring or fall base on label instructions.

PRUNING Agave is not necessary, if left to grow naturally lower bottom leaves will gradually collapse and dry out, once they dry leaves can be pulled or remove if desired.

MULCH - We strongly advise mulching your Agave with either ground hardwood mulch or ground cypress mulch. Any type of mulch will suffice, but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of higher quality and will provide more nutrition overall as it decomposes. Mulching helps to keep weeds at bay, which compete for water and nutrients with your new investment, as well as to regulate soil temperature. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is sufficient. It is preferable to leave at least one inch of space between the mulch and the plant's main stem or trunk.

MAINTAINING the False Agave is simple, they require little or no upkeep, they are disease and pests resistance which eliminates the need for spraying chemicals which can be very harsh to our environments.

INSECTS OR DESEASES - Here’s another plus, Agave is not regularly affected by pests, however in the event that scale, mealy bugs, or mites are found to affect the plant, they can be controlled by applying horticultural neem oil that can be sprayed directly onto the insects, A second and third treatment, when using oils, will be necessary. Space out the sprays at 2 weeks intervals to break up the mealybug life cycle.