Agave

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Agave - This is a genus of plants that belong to the subfamily Agave, in this genus there are more than three hundred different species. In the wild, these plants grow mainly in Central America, especially in Mexico.

After the discovery of the New World, agaves became known in Europe. Very often, rough fabrics, ropes and ropes are made from agaves: natural fiber obtained from the leaves of sisal agave is used for the manufacture. From the waste of this plant, wrapping paper is produced, as well as an intoxicating drink called pulque: it is made from the sugary juice of dark green Agave, the strength of the drink will be about 6-18 degrees. By the way, the world-famous tequila is also produced from blue agaves: the core of this plant is used for this, and the classic strength of tequila is fifty-five degrees.

Of course, completely different types of agave are used at home: American agave, drawn agave, Queen Victoria agave, and also thread-carrying agave. By the way, filamentous agave can be called one of the most popular indoor plants from this family. This plant will have very narrow leaves painted in matte green tones, complemented by a white border. These leaves are noticeably raised upward. Each leaf has a thorn, and dry fibers along the edges, thanks to which this species got its name.

Under indoor conditions, agaves very rarely bloom, in nature this happens once in a lifetime, after which the plant dies after a while.

Growing agave

Of course, we can safely say that agaves will not need excessively long and problematic care. In fact, this is so, however, you still have to follow some specific rules. In the homeland of this plant, the sun always shines brightly, therefore, at home, agaves must be provided with constant contact with direct sunlight. In addition, such a bright light should not be complemented by small shading.

Agave has a craving for fresh air, which is also due to its homeland and native natural conditions. The room where the agave is located must be regularly ventilated. In the summer, it is recommended to take the agave to the balcony or to the street, where contact with fresh air will be constant.

Agaves do not have a particular love for rain, so this plant should not be sprayed. In addition, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. Therefore, agave needs moderate watering and good quality drainage. It is also necessary to water the plant only after the soil is completely dry. In winter, watering should be reduced.

Agave needs moderate temperatures in the summer, and in winter the plant will need about eight to twelve degrees of heat. In winter, plant nutrition is also not required, and the rest of the time, minerals should be added, in which an extremely poor nitrogen content is noted. Fertilizers should be applied in extremely limited quantities, about once every two to three weeks. An excessive amount of fertilizer can negatively affect the plant itself, so you should be very careful.

When planting, it is very important to maintain the position of the root collar above the ground. Also, sand should be poured around the neck, which will protect the plant from decay in cool weather.

In terms of transplanting, mature plants should be transplanted about once every two to three years. Young agaves need an annual transplant. For succulents, ready-made soil from the store is also suitable, and you can also prepare the soil yourself: for this you will need to combine turf, sand and peat in equal proportions. You can also add some brick chips.