Agave americana

Autumn-Winter · Outdoors

Keep dry during dormancy

Keep dry during the period of dormancy or resting, which is likely to be from the middle of the autumn until spring.

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 · 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 - late · Outdoors

Feed with sequestrol

If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.

For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.

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.

Outdoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Compost · Planting

Cactus compost for repotting

Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.

You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.