Agave stricta 'Nana'

Autumn · Planting

Remove offsets to create new plants

Offsets are small plants or shoots that develop around the parent plant. They should have developed a root system of their own before they are detached. They can be planted directly, or grown in pots if so small they could be 'lost' in the garden.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

General houseplant fertiliser

Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed occasionally

This plant doesn't need too many nutrients. Feed occasionally in the growing season. Don't feed in winter. Follow the feed manufacturer's directions for the amount of feed to use.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Water in Spring-autumn only, when compost is dry

Water when the compost is dry, allowing the compost to dry between waterings. Keep the plant dry in winter so that it stops growing and has a "rest period".

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Soak completely when watering

Water until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away the excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging which can cause "root rot".)

Spring · Outdoors

Feed with low nitrogen feed

Occasionally while the plant is in growth, apply a specialist cactus feed that is low in nitrogen.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a low value.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during drought

In drought conditions where established plants in the ground have had no water for a month, do a deep watering. If drought continues repeat after a fortnight. Plants only need watering during spring to autumn growth. Check plants in pots more often.

Established plants are drought tolerant but benefit from water after a month or so. Ensure that water does not sit around the base of the plant which can cause rotting. Pebbles and stones tucked round its base can be beneficial.

Indoor temperature · Planting

Min 10C/50F, not kitchen/bathroom

This plant will thrive in warm, average and cool rooms as long as the air is not humid, so avoid placing in bathrooms and kitchens. The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 10C/50F.

Compost · Planting

Cactus compost + horticultural grit

Mix grit with cactus compost to increase "drainage". Grit increases the speed with which water passes through the compost and reduces the amount of water stored by the compost.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, close to window

Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).