The Blue Agave is a comparatively undemanding plant that does not require much care. However, you need to pay attention to a few points when it comes to culture. Our guide shows what is important.

In a nutshell

  • Agave comes from South America
  • Blue agave is used to make tequila
  • is also suitable as a houseplant
  • remains comparatively low
  • can grow very wide

Characteristics

Botanical name: Agave tequilana

Height: 30 to 50 centimeters

Broad: about 120 centimeters

Leaves: long, fleshy and up to twelve centimeters wide

Blossom: blooms only after several decades

Toxicity: non-toxic

Hardy: hardy down to minus 15°C

Location & substrate

In its area of origin, the agave grows at very high altitudes of up to 2000 meters above sea level. That is, the location should be light and warm, but does not need protection from the wind. Only water should be able to drain off well, provided the plant is also exposed to rain.

In summer, the plant can also stand outdoors. Again, the location should be bright and warm. A covered balcony or terrace is best.

With the substrate for the agave, the permeability must be paid particular attention to. For example:

  • Potting soil mixed with gravel, sand or lava granules
  • cactus soil
  • succulent soil

In addition, a drainage layer should urgently be introduced so that waterlogging is reliably prevented.

pour

When watering, the tequila agave is also easy to care for and is ideal for people who are often on the go or occasionally forget to water. Because the plant tolerates drought without any problems, as long as there is still enough water stored in the leaves.

Nevertheless, a few points must be observed when watering. These are:

  • water every 10 to 14 days when cultivating indoors
  • Do not wet leaves
  • Water outdoors about once a week in summer
  • hard water can be used
  • Avoid waterlogging urgently
  • immersion or pervasive watering

Notice: Calcareous, hard water is tolerated, but is still not the best choice. Collected rainwater, stagnant tap water and water from an aquarium or pond are therefore more suitable.

Fertilize

The nutrient requirement of the agave is comparatively low. Therefore, only succulent fertilizer should be used. Also pay attention to the following points:

  • April to September
  • once a month
  • ideally use liquid fertilizer

The last additional nutrient application is in September at the latest. Otherwise, the plant cannot adequately prepare for the winter.

Tip: It is best to use liquid fertilizer that can be added directly to the irrigation water.

tub culture

Since the blue agave is only partially hardy, it should only be planted outdoors in very mild regions. In the case of harsher winters, cultivation in a tub is recommended. However, care must be taken to ensure that you adjust the care accordingly.

This includes watering more frequently and doing an annual repot. With sufficiently large vessels, a time interval of two years is sufficient. Because due to the small amount of substrate, the soil is used up faster and also dries out in a shorter time.

In the case of bucket culture, it is still important to ensure that the planter meets a number of criteria. These are:

  • sufficient size
  • stable material
  • stability

Tip: Since this results in a high weight, a plant trolley is recommended. Otherwise, the transport will be significantly more difficult.

Cutting & Overwintering

A blend is only necessary for two reasons. For one, when leaves die off. You should then wait until the individual shoots are completely dry.

The second reason is the spikes on the edges of the leaves. They can be removed in the spring to avoid injury.

In any case, it is important to use clean and sharp cutting tools when cutting.

Overwintering the agave is best done indoors, at temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. During this time, the blue agave needs less water. Watering every two to three weeks is usually sufficient. The soil should be allowed enough time to dry out between waterings.

There is no fertilizer at all during the winter. However, a bright place is still necessary. Suitable places are therefore:

  • Hallway near the window
  • bright and frost-free basement room
  • unheated garage
  • conservatory

repot

The change of soil and planter is always necessary when:

  • Earth is used up or compacted
  • Roots grow out of the pot
  • there is no longer any stability

The action will take place in the spring. The following procedure is recommended:

  1. Protection and safety: Due to the prickly leaf edges, handling the blue agave is difficult. Therefore, either cut off the thorns or wear puncture-proof work gloves to avoid injuring yourself. In the case of large specimens, it is also advisable to carry out the repotting in pairs.
  2. Remove old soil: In order to keep the risk of diseases and pests low, the old substrate should be removed thoroughly. Rinsing the root ball is recommended.
  3. Remove leaves: Dead leaves are easier to access and remove if the crop can be discarded. If this measure is necessary, the right time has come during the repotting.
  4. Insert drainage: A drainage layer is placed at the bottom of the tub. This can consist of coarse gravel, stones or ceramic shards. It prevents waterlogging and thus rotting and dying of the roots.
  5. Fill in soil: After drainage, enough substrate is introduced so that the shoot axis is flush with the surface of the earth. Then the plant is used and the bucket is filled all around. The soil should be pressed several times to keep it from sinking during the final step.
  6. Water: For a good growth and spreading of the roots, the blue agave also needs sufficient liquid. Therefore, penetrating watering should be done after repotting.
Source right image: Daderot, Agave tequilana - Botanical Garden, Dresden, Germany - DSC08417, edited by Plantopedia, CC0 1.0

propagation

The Blue Agave reproduces itself by forming so-called Kindel. These are offshoots that grow right next to the mother plant. They can be carefully separated directly when repotting and placed in their own pots.

In order for the tequila agave to be able to develop daughter plants at all, the roots need enough space in the bucket. Therefore, always make sure to choose a sufficiently large vessel.

Also, be patient. It can take a few years for the first children to appear.

Common grooming mistakes

Agaves are resilient and therefore do not take damage too quickly. Nevertheless, there are serious mistakes in maintenance that can lead to significant problems. Typical and therefore widespread are:

  • chemical burns to the roots
  • wrong watering
  • Rot caused by waterlogging
  • over-fertilization
  • too dark location or too warm location in winter
  • too little substrate

Cracks and discoloration on the leaves can occur, for example, if you wet the shoots when watering or if the plant is too damp and cannot dry off quickly enough.

On the other hand, an apparently inexplicable collapse can be explained by the fact that the agave is either not sufficiently supplied with nutrients or there are too many of them in the soil.

In the event of such problems, you should therefore first check the care conditions.

Diseases & Pests

Neither germs nor parasites are often found on the blue agave. If this is the case, the problems can usually be traced back to mistakes in the culture. Because these lead to the weakening of the plant.

frequently asked Questions

Why shouldn't the blue agave be too warm in winter?

Otherwise it will not take a break from growth and will therefore be weakened. It becomes more vulnerable and lifespan can be shortened.

Are the spikes dangerous?

They can pose a danger to children and pets in particular, but they can also become a problem when repotting. It is therefore better to place the plant in such a way that there is no direct contact. Alternatively, the spines can be cut off.

How is blue agave tequila made?

After the harvest, which can only take place when the plant is eight to nine years old, the heart is steamed for one to one and a half days. It is then fermented to make tequila.

Can the agave leaves be trimmed?

Due to the sprawling shape, some of the older shoots can become a disruptive factor over time. Of course, this tempts you to shorten them. However, this brings with it two problems. For one thing, it doesn't look very appealing. On the other hand, a wound is created through which germs or pests can penetrate and the water storage of the plant is reduced.
It is therefore better to choose a location that offers enough space.

Can the blue agave also be overwintered warm?

This is possible but not ideal. As a result, the plant loses its strength. If you do not have a room with suitable temperatures, you can also let the plant overwinter in a nursery. Some offer this option.

Category:

Garden plants