How To Grow and Care for an Agave Plant

These spiky succulents demand very specific growing conditions, but if you can check off those boxes, they actually require very little upkeep.

Agave plants are virtually synonymous with the desert—they’ve become an icon (along with the cactus, of course) for the arid regions of Mexico. Their rosette shape and pointy leaves physically define this succulent, and these characteristics are a huge reason they can survive the harsh desert environment, as well as defend themselves against predators. 

Some types of agave are used as primary ingredients in tequila and mezcal production, and other kinds are used to make agave syrup. Beyond culinary uses though, you’ll often see agave plants in the landscaping of people’s properties, especially in the Southwest where the conditions are ideal. Suppose you want to try and cultivate your own agave plants though—there are a few essential factors you’ll need to consider if you want thriving agave plants in your garden, so we asked experts for their best tips on how to grow and care for an agave plant. 

What Does an Agave Plant Look Like?

Agave plants are rosette-shaped succulents with fleshy, sharp leaves that sometimes have spiked edges. (FYI agaves are not cacti, though both fall under the succulent umbrella.) There are over 200 species of agave, with some of the most common being Agave americana, Agave parryi, and Agave azul. Agaves range in size, typically around five feet or less, though smaller varieties do exist for use as houseplants. Agaves can produce flowers (a tall spike of blooms) but only once in their lifetime—once the agave plant blooms, it will die. Flowering can take up to 30 years!

Growing Conditions and Care Tips

Light 

Considering the agave plant’s natural environment is quite sunny, you’ll need to make sure your agave gets a lot of sunlight in the garden. “They need loads of bright light, preferably at least 6 hours a day,” says Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer at The Gardener’s Supply Company. 

Water

Agaves are highly drought-tolerant and don’t need frequent watering. “They don’t like wet feet. Only water your agave when the soil has dried out completely by checking the moisture of the soil. They’ll also wrinkle and shrivel accompanied with dry soil as a sign they are thirsty,” says Paris Lalicata from The Sill.  

A general watering schedule you can use as a guideline is to water your agave every other week in the summer, then drop down to every 3 to 4 weeks in the winter, when the plant slows its growth. 

Temperature and Humidity

The warmer your environment is, the happier your agave will be. They can thrive in climates around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. That being said, they can handle temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as long as the shift is not sudden. If you’re planting your agaves in containers, bring them indoors to protect them from frost! 

Soil

Agaves prefer rocky or sandy soil. “As a desert native, agave plants need well-drained, gritty soil,” says Miller. For container gardening, you can use a succulent or cactus potting mix (or you can amend a standard potting soil with sand.) “If planting in the ground, you’ll want a loamy, sandy soil,” Lalicata advises. 

Pruning and Maintenance 

According to Lalicata, it’s generally not necessary to prune an agave unless to remove dead plant material or to propagate a “pup.”  Miller adds that you can trim away any fading or spent leaves if you prefer a cleaner look. “Be sure to use a clean knife or pruners and try not to remove too many leaves at one time—this can stress the plant,” she says.

Tips for Growing an Agave Plant Indoors

While you’ll often see agave plants in front yards (or out in the desert!), you can grow one inside. Lalicata says, “Agaves are beautiful succulents that grow well indoors when given the optimal environment and care. I’ve been growing an agave indoors for 5 years now and she’s doing great.” Miller agrees and says they’re relatively low-maintenance houseplants; they just need tons of sun, at least 6 hours per day.  

Lalicata recommends keeping your plant directly in front of a south-facing window, though a bright, unobstructed west-facing window can also work. “These exposures provide the most direct sunlight succulents need indoors. If natural lighting isn’t enough, you’ll need to get a grow light,” she adds. Keep your agave away from drafty doors or windows, as they don’t do well with sudden chills. A room that is at least 65 degrees is ideal.

Tips for Planting Agave Plants Outdoors 

If you live in the dry climates of zone 9 and above of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, you’ll have the greatest success with cultivating your own agaves outside. When transplanting agaves, select the sunniest spot in your garden and make sure your soil is well-draining and gravelly loam or sandy. Assuming the weather is warm, you can technically transplant an agave any time of year but the best timeframe is actually between March and May. 

Transfer the plant in your garden to the original growing depth in their original directional orientation. The original south side of the plant, which is usually more heat and sunlight-resistant, should continue to face the southern direction.

Common Pests and Diseases

“Most succulents are generally easy going when it comes to pests and diseases,” says Lalicata. However, they may be susceptible to mealybugs or scale. Fungal diseases like root rot can strike if your agave is overwatered and sits in wet soil.

Are Agave Plants Toxic?

Surprisingly, despite the fact that agaves are used in so many culinary applications, raw agave sap is actually considered toxic to people and pets, so keep your fur babies and little humans from nibbling on the leaves. Plus, Miller cautions that many of them have super sharp spines! 

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