Growing Agaves in the Low Desert
Agaves are a group of succulents that store water and nutrients in their leaves. There are approximately 375 species native to the New World and found in warm, arid regions of the Americas, including Mexico and the Caribbean. Agaves provide unique forms, differing in leaf texture and color including an interesting rosette shape. Different species of agaves offer a wide range of sizes. The varieties of color add highlights and contrast to any landscape and make excellent accent plants. Agaves enhance native and semi-tropical gardens and can be used in formal or natural designs. Larger species create focal points and many can be showcased as specimen plants. Diminutive species are used for small spaces or as container plants.
Although well adapted to desert climates, agaves require supplemental water. They can be placed on a drip line that will deliver ax gallon of water per hour to the root ball area. Agaves actively grow in the spring and fall, and benefit from two to four hours of drip irrigation every two weeks (depending on plant size and soil type). In the summer or when temperatures are above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, increase to once a week. During winter, irrigation should be reduced to once per month. After winter or monsoon rains watering should be adjusted accordingly.
Light and Temperatures
In the low desert, some agaves are susceptible to frost and cold damage can occur between 24 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Check specific temperature needs of individual species. If possible, plant in a warm, protected location or cover with frost cloth.
In the low desert, most agaves do best with morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sun. There are a few that can grow in full sun. Make sure to check the specific lighting needs of individual species. Agaves may need to be covered with a 50 percent shade cloth the first summer after planting to acclimate to its new location. Yellowing of leaves during summer may be a symptom the agave is receiving too much sun. If application of shade cloth is necessary each summer, consider moving the plant to a protected location.
Soil
Well-draining soils are ideal for agaves and most are adapted to native soils and, typically, no soil amendment is necessary. When transplanting agaves from containers to the ground, care should be used not to disturb the roots. Place plants in the ground so that the soil line is the same or just a little higher as the original soil line in the container.
Propagation
Propagate most agaves from offsets or seed. Some species produce bulbils, individual plant clones, on a flowering stalk, and can be propagated. Seed germination temperatures are best between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A well-draining soil mix is recommended. Separate offsetting species and, if roots are present, plant into containers or the landscape. If divided offsets do not have roots, they can be rooted in perlite or pumice.
Growing Agaves in Containers
Growing agaves in containers accentuates their unique beauty and allows for flexibility in managing their care.
Water
Follow the same water guidelines as in the landscape. However, containers dry out quickly and may need more frequent watering. A simple moisture meter allows you to check your containers to determine if over or under watering.
Light and Temperatures
Follow the same exposure guidelines as in the landscape, but keep in mind containers will heat and cool quickly, and will retain heat longer in summer. Move containers to cooler or warmer locations or cover with frost or shade cloth as needed.
Fertilizer
It is important to fertilize agaves grown in containers, as nutrients are leached out or used by the plant over time. Agaves have two growing seasons: spring and fall. A complete, balanced fertilizer can be applied monthly during those seasons. Apply at half strength of the label recommendation.
Soil
Well-draining soils are ideal for agaves and most are adapted to native soils and, typically, no soil amendment is necessary. When transplanting agaves from containers to the ground, care should be used not to disturb the roots. Place plants in the ground so that the soil line is the same or just a little higher as the original soil line in the container.
Container
A well-draining soil is essential when growing agaves in containers. A basic potting soil mix includes two thirds organic based cactus and succulent potting soil and one third perlite or pumice for additional drainage. Add a granular fertilizer to the soil mix.
There are many container types for growing agaves. Whatever type of container you choose to use, always ensure the pot has drainage holes. For smaller agaves, use shallower pots while larger agaves can be placed in larger containers. Select a container that best suites your style. The selected container should be one to two inches wider than the original pot. Most succulents do not need a deep pot; shallow is recommended particularly for small succulents.