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Cacti & Succulents

Agave Americana Growth/Transplant

16 years ago

I just picked up four large Agave Americanas. They also had a couple of pups on them. I've got two questions that I haven't found any answers. First of all, how successful would the large agaves transplant? There are few roots and no "taproot" to speak of. Also, what kind of growth rate can I expect for the pups? I know the long-term growth, but I'm planning a desert garden and I would like to know how large these might get in the next year or two.

Thanks,

Jenion

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Comments (4)

xerophyte NYC
16 years ago
These are tough plants and should do fine with reasonable transplant precautions such as keeping the area warm and dry until new roots develop.

Growth rate depends - it can be slowed down by reducing water and fertilizer, or sped up with frequent water and food.
dufflebag2002
16 years ago
They will grow rapidly in open run. A large pot would help establish roots, then plant in the ground, hold up water in the winter, and give them all they want when it warms up. I have seen these get sunburned as well and leaves frozen. So don't let water sit on the leaves. If too cold when you first transplant it may be in trouble. Wait until Spring and don't take a chance. We don't know where you live but by your 7b information I would judge that it is rather cold right now. Well rooted plants do well, however caution should be taken if roots are not developed yet. I had a variegated Americana that got very large, and I was afraid that the offsets were going to come up in my neighbors asphalt driveway. Norma
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jenion
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everyone for the info. A couple of more questions - How long does it take for them to get big - a couple of years or a lot longer? And also, some of the "leaves" are broken. Should I cut them off? Thanks again - Jenion
sambal
16 years ago
Hi J. I live in zone 8...Seattle. I have a nice Agave fillimentosa. She wants to put out pups every year. I think she is a very hardy plant but I bring her in just in case. Her pups take about a year to get big....not so big, but about the size of her mom plant. She is a very strong and hardy plant, and I think all you need to do is be a little patient. OH, I have transplanted her three times and she never really had a setback. SAM

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