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Cacti & Succulents

What is happening with our Agave?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Hi, we planted our agave as directed in very well drained soil on a bit of a mound for excellent drainage. It's in a sunny spot facing south and gets a break during the hottest peak afternoon hours. But soon after it was placed in the ground, it began to look like this. I can't tell if it's been overwatered, underwatered, sunburnt, rotting, or in total shock. The center seems to be opening as well so I wans't sure if it was trying to flower or just bite the dust.. We have a few other different agave which are doing fine. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

Featured Answer

Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6

2 years ago

Well, what about all the questions that was asked? Updated picture or is the plant exactly the same? If the plant is the same, then I would say it is okay and will recover soon.

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Comments (6)

SoCal Stewart (San Diego, Ca Zone 10A/10B)
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Do you know anything about how it was grown prior to your acquisition? Specifically, what kind if light? To me, it looks sunburned. Maybe its getting more direct sun now than it previously got. Maybe its just acclimating as it transitions to its new home.
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
It could be several things. Did you water it immediately after planting? I always wait 3 days before I water. did you check for agave borers in the pot when planting? The plant looks like it is planted too close to your walls. If that is an A. ovatifoloa ; you will need more space for it to grow. The plant might have been growing in a more shaded area and is now a bit sun stressed. If so put some cardboard to shade it and then slowly move the cardboard away. I will buy plants and slowly move them into the bright hot sun or whereever it is going to be plated.
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Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
2 years ago
Yes the plant is in shock. Every time it is moved or transplanted it goes thru some form of shock. It also needs watered in while it is getting used to it's new spot. Also the sun suddenly placed on it hurts it. It needs to slowly be placed in the full sun after being in pot culture and was at a nursery or green house.

Luckily Agave are pretty tuff and should make a recovery but any leaf damage is there to stay. New leaves in time will cover over the old ones.
cefandl
Original Author
2 years ago
Anyone have ideas?
ChasingCenturies (Arizona 9b)
2 years ago
To the OP: You don't say where you are and you don't say how long ago your ovatifolia was planted, two very important little tidbits, but the plant looks burned to me. If burned it should be covered with shade cloth immediately.

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