Agave americana in the ground

Credit: Bennilover

Leaves and spines Agave americana

Credit: Torquay palms

American Agave in the ground

Credit: Esculapio

Agaves americana in flower

Credit: Lino M_

Inflorescence Agave americana

Credit: Joe Hall

Agave americana, a spicy succulent

In the collective imagination, the word "americana" often evokes a nostalgic vision of the United States, through the music of the Lumineers or films such as Stand by Me. But in botany, Agave americana refers to a succulent plant native to Mexico, with a rosette of leaves and remarkable flowering.

How to recognize Agave americana?

Agave americana is a succulent perennial with an upright, spreading habit. It grows up to two meters high and has a three-meter spread.

Agave americana is aculeate. Only its rosette of fleshy leaves is visible. The lanceolate leaves are up to two meters long and 20 centimeters wide. They end in a sharp, curved tip. Gray or brown spines hem in the margins. The grey-green foliage can take on bluish hues in older specimens. There are also varieties with green blades streaked with yellow Agave americana variegata)

Agaves are monocarpic plants: they flower only once in their life. Agave americana is no exception. Before dying, it gives rise to a flowering spike that sometimes exceeds ten meters in height. The branched stem bears several panicles of greenish-yellow flowers.

The plant produces shoots at its base, enabling it to multiply. It also produces black capsule-shaped fruits. When the envelope opens, it releases the seeds, which are then dispersed by the wind.

Agave americana is toxic. Its leaves contain calcium oxalate, a dangerous substance in the event of contact or ingestion. What's more, the sting of the prickles can be painful. Keep your pets well away from your agave, and avoid planting it in a crowded place!

Our maintenance tips

American Agaves are low-maintenance plants. However, they are sensitive to cold and excess humidity. Unless you live in a region with dry, mild winters, grow your plant in a pot. You'll then be able to bring it in before the first frost.

Watering

American Agaves plants need copious watering when the soil is completely dry. To know if your plant is thirsty, look at it: when it lacks water, its leaves change appearance. They become hollow, wrinkled or point downwards.

Water with room-temperature water, preferably non-calcareous, until the substrate is saturated with water, then allow the plant to drain before replacing it. Don't forget to drain off any water stagnating at the bottom of the planter or saucer. It could rot the roots.

Spray

American Agaves grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Agave americana to give it more space.

Obtain a pot with holes deep enough to accommodate the roots of your American Agave. Preferably use a terracotta model to ensure even drying of the potting soil after watering.

Pour a drainage layer (clay balls, gravel, etc.) into the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to drain off, followed by potting soil. Choose a light, well-draining substrate, such as a mix for cacti and succulents, or ordinary potting soil with sand. Plant your American Agave in the center and add soil. Stop a few centimetres from the edge and tamp gently to remove air bubbles.

Wait a few days after repotting before watering. The potting soil is already damp and american Agaves do not like excess humidity.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Agave americana, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Add cactus and succulent fertilizer to watering water.

If you're repotting every year, there's no need to add fertilizer. Your plant will find sufficient nutrients in its substrate.

Prune

To encourage the growth of your American Agave, prune regularly.

Using a clean, sharp pruning shears, remove the wilted leaves.

Plantation

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.

Your Agave americana loves light and hates humidity. Plant it in the sun and in a place where water won't stagnate after a shower, such as an embankment or the top of a slope.

Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Place pebbles or clay balls at the bottom to improve drainage. Plant your Agave americana and fill in with garden soil. You can add sand to lighten the soil. Press down to remove air bubbles.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

The mother plant produces shoots. Separate them with a clean knife. Leave to dry for 24 to 48 hours in the open air, until a wedge forms at the base.

Obtain a pierced pot adapted to the size of your cutting. Fill it with a light, draining substrate, such as a mixture of sand and potting soil for cuttings, or potting soil for cacti and succulents. Plant your Agave americana and tamp it down.

The substrate is already damp and american Agaves dislikes excess water. Wait at least a week before watering.

Disease / Threat

Mealybug, accompanied by ants for its honeydew.

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Asparagaceae - Asparagaceae
Type	Agave - Agave
Species	American Agave - Agave americana
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrats	Calcareous earth Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Category	Succulent
Tags	Beginner Fritillary Large pot Toxic
Origins	North America Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	9a
Leaf color
Flower color