Agave (Summer Type)

📊 Botanical Profile

• Key Trait: Forms large, symmetrical rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves, often ending in a sharp terminal spine and lined with marginal teeth.

• Habitat: Native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas, from desert floors to rocky highlands.

• Note: Known as the “century plant.” Handle with care due to sharp spines. Growth is slow but steady in the right conditions.

☀️ Light & Temperature

• Light Lovers: Require very high light. Acclimated plants thrive in PPFD 600–1200 (≈ 50–90k lux).

• Etiolation Risk: PPFD < 150 for extended periods causes weak, open growth.

• Sunburn Risk: > 1000 PPFD if introduced too rapidly.

• Heat Tolerant: Optimal growth at 18–32°C. Can tolerate brief highs up to 40°C.

• Cold Tolerance: Many species can withstand brief, dry frosts down to 0-5°C.

• Care Tip: Provide 8–12 hours of direct sun. Ensure excellent air circulation to prevent crown rot.

💧 Watering & Substrate

• Golden Rule: Deep but Infrequent. Water only when the substrate is completely dry throughout. Verify with a weight check or skewer. Extremely drought-tolerant.

• Soil Mix: Requires fast-draining, gritty mix. Use 60-90% mineral grit (pumice, lava rock, coarse sand).

• Potting: Sturdy, breathable pots (terracotta is excellent) with large drainage holes are essential. A top-dressing of gravel helps keep the stem dry.

🌿 Fertilization & Growth Rhythm

• Feeding: Minimal. Use a ¼-strength, low-nitrogen fertilizer only during active summer growth.

• Growth Cycle: Steadily grows in warm seasons. Reduce watering significantly during cool winter months.

• Maintenance: Flush the substrate occasionally to prevent salt buildup, which can cause unsightly leaf tip burn.

✂️ Propagation

• Offsets/Pups (Primary Method): Mature plants produce clones at their base. Detach cleanly, allow cuts to callus for a week, and plant in dry, gritty mix.

• Seeds: Surface-sow on sterile, well-draining mix. Requires patience, as growth from seed is slow.

• Bulbils: Some species produce plantlets on the flower stalk.

⚠️ Troubleshooting

• 🎨 Faded, Washed-Out Leaf Color → Needs more light. Gradually increase exposure to intensify blues, greens, and variegation.

• 📏 Loose, Open Rosette (Etiolation) → Critical light deficiency. Relocate to a much brighter spot immediately.

• 💦 Soft, Mushy Base or Leaves → Overwatering/Rot. Stop all water. Excise affected areas, dry thoroughly, and repot in dry mix. Often fatal if extensive.

• ⚫ Black or Dark Brown Rot at Crown → Crown rot. Unpot, cut away all infected tissue, treat with fungicide, and dry for 1-2 weeks before re-rooting.

• 🌸 No Flowers → Agaves flower only at maturity, which can take years or decades. It is a natural, singular life-cycle event.

• 🪹 Pups/Cuttings Fail to Root → Insufficient callusing or premature watering. Ensure a full callus and keep the medium dry until roots initiate.

• 🔥 Brown, Dry Leaf Tips → Common from physical damage, low humidity, or salt buildup. Flush soil and trim carefully if desired.

• 🥬 Pale or Yellowish New Growth → Possible nutrient deficiency. Apply a very light, balanced feed during the growing season.

Pro Tip: Plant for the long term. Provide space, maximum sun, and neglectful watering. Their majestic form is a reward for patience. ⏳