Agave attenuata, the swan-necked agave

Wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. Water generously: the substrate must be soaking wet to allow your Agave attenuata to build up its water reserves.

If tap water is too hard, use rainwater or demineralized water at room temperature.

Drain any water that accumulates in the saucer after watering.

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

In spring, transfer your Agave attenuata to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Obtain a pot with holes deep enough to accommodate the roots of your Swan-necked 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 Swan-necked 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 swan-necked Agaves do not like excess humidity.

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

You don't have to fertilize your plant to make it grow. However, if you want to stimulate its growth, you can give itfertilizer for cacti and succulents.

To encourage the growth of your Swan-necked Agave, prune regularly.

Cut dry leaves with clean, sharp pruning shears.

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Choose a sunny, well-drained location, such as the top of a slope or embankment.

Dig a hole two to three times larger than the root ball. Place pebbles at the bottom to improve drainage.

Plant your Swan-necked Agave and backfill. If your soil is heavy, mix it with river sand. Tamp down to remove air bubbles.

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

Remove a shoot. Use a clean, sharp knife if necessary.

Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.

Pour a light, well-drained substrate into a pierced pot. You can use potting soil for cacti and succulents or a mixture of ordinary potting soil and sand.

Plant your cutting, burying the first two centimetres in the soil. Place the cup in partial shade.

Wait ten to fifteen days for the cuttings to root before watering.