Agave plants are succulents that are often confused with cacti. A visible difference between agaves and cacti is that agaves have leaves, and cacti do not. Agaves are native to the arid regions of America, Mexico and the Caribbean. They add aesthetic value to gardens and homes and are characterized by a rosette of succulent, leathery leaves. They can adapt to temperatures outside their ideal zones if given winter protection, but they can be prone to overwatering.
Overwatered Agave: Common Signs and Symptoms
The leaves are soft, mushy and translucent.
Overwatered agave plants have soft, mushy, translucent leaves which also look shriveled. This means that the plants have absorbed too much water and are about to burst, as they cannot hold any more. The plants will also have a sickly appearance overall.
The leaves start to rot and turn black.
The leaves of overwatered agave plants will start to rot, and eventually turn black. This will start from the center of the plant and work its way up. Certain fungal diseases may also develop due to too much water.
The leaves start to drop.
Overwatered succulents, including agaves, will start to drop their leaves. Once the leaves are saturated with water, they begin to swell up and may drop at the slightest touch.
What to do if you have overwatered agave plants
If you have overwatered agave plants, you should stop watering them and give them a chance to dry out. Give your plants a full week or longer before you water them again. Feel the top couple of inches of the soil and, if it is dry, you can water them again.
Make sure your agave plants are placed in an area with adequate light so they can easily dry out. Overwatered plants that are not in the sun will deteriorate quickly and may die. Move the plants to a sunny spot; you may need to move them several times to find the best spot.
If the soil stays moist and is not drying out, remove the overwatered plants from the soil and let them dry out for a few days in the shade. Repot the plants in fresh, well-draining potting mix. Add perlite, pumice or coarse sand so that the mix is well-draining.
How to revive an agave that is dying from overwatering
You can save your overwatered agave plants, but this also depends on the extent of the damage. Remove or cut off any dead and mushy parts, and retain those that are green and viable. Allow the cuttings to dry for a few days and propagate them in suitable and well-draining potting soil. The cuttings will eventually grow new roots and new plants will start to develop.
Agave plant care and facts
Agave plants thrive in warm areas that have seasonal dry periods, such as Zones eight and 10. Some species can tolerate extreme heat and cold – as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants love the sun but they should also get shade for at least a couple of hours a day.
Agaves are very adaptable and will thrive in soil that has clay content as well as in sandy and rocky soil. If you live in an area with substantial rainfall, make sure the plants are provided with well-draining soil. Plant or transplant them in spring or early fall, as this will give larger species plenty of room to reach their maximum size. See to it that the leaf rosettes are not covered with soil to prevent rotting.
Water agave plants once or twice a week until they are well-established. These plants prefer to dry out between watering, and too much water could result in fungal root rot. During intense hot weather, protect your plants with a shade cloth to prevent sunburn.
Pros and cons of agave plants
Pros
- Agave plants provide structure, texture, color and drama.
- These plants can be grown in containers or in the ground.
- They are fire-retardant.
- They can tolerate long stretches without water.
Cons
- Most agave species have sharp thorns and prickly-edged leaves which may not be suitable if you have kids or pets at home.
- These plants are mostly limited to warmer zones, unless they are grown in containers and provided with winter protection.
- They are prone to rotting caused by overwatering or debris in the leaf rosettes.
Conclusion
Agaves are drought-resistant succulents that are commonly grown both indoors and outdoors. As they come from hot climates, they can be susceptible to overwatering. You will know an agave is overwatered if the leaves are soft, mushy and translucent. The plant will also have a sickly appearance, and the leaves may drop off at the slightest touch.
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