Presentation of agave attenuata
Fact sheet : | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Agave attenuata |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Other name | Swan Neck Agave |
| Etymology | Comes from the Greek word “αγαθος” which means “admirable” |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Dimensions | From 1 to 1.50 m high and 1 m wide when mature |
| Flower color(s) | Light greenYellows |
| Leaf color(s) | Light greenBlue |
| Appearance of the flowers | Very large inflorescences on which clusters of flowers appear |
| Appearance of the leaves | Leaves smooth, flexible, devoid of thorns and arranged in a rosette |
| Plant type | Succulent |
| Vegetation | Perennial |
| Foliage in winter | Persistent |
Culture sheet: | |
|---|---|
| Planting |
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
Jul.
August
Seven.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec. |
| Growth | Normal |
| Exposure | Sun |
| Ground | Poor, neutral, light |
| Humidity | Weak |
| Use | Pot, Tray, Rockery |
| Multiplication | Semi, Rejects |
| Disease(s) and pest(s) | Shield mealybugs, Mealybugs, Root mealybugs |
What is the ideal light and exposure for agave attenuata?
Because it is native to Mexico, the swan’s neck agave is a plant that appreciates heat and therefore needs to be installed in full sun. If you live in a region where the climate is suitable for growing it in the ground, you can install it in the upper part of a rockery, but also on an embankment.
In both cases, this type of installation at height ensures efficient drainage at the level of his foot. Otherwise, you can also reserve a location for it near a south-facing wall.
What is the ideal temperature for swan’s neck agave?
The regions most suitable for growing agave attenuata in open ground are those where the climate remains sufficiently warm throughout the year, like the regions around the Mediterranean. In other regions of France, it is necessary to opt for growing in pots or containers.
So, as soon as temperatures are around -2 or -3°C, you will have the opportunity to shelter this chilly plant. Don’t worry about your agave if you grow it in the ground and a cold snap occurs, because it is, despite everything, capable of withstanding occasionally lower temperatures, provided that the soil is well drained.
Watering Swan Neck Agave
As is the case with many succulents, watering is only necessary when the substrate or soil begins to dry out.
- For an agave grown in a pot : in spring, it is recommended to carry out 1 or 2 drenchings approximately every 15 days. In summer, as the substrate can dry more quickly, drenching may be necessary every week. In autumn, start to reduce watering until you reach one watering per month in winter, because as the plant is resting, its water needs are reduced. Drenching is preferable to watering as overwatering can expose your plant to the risk of crown rot.
- For an agave grown in the ground : outside of the summer season and periods of drought, agave does not need to be watered.
Ideal atmospheric humidity
Due to its origins, the swan’s neck agave particularly appreciates hot and dry climates, and fears excess humidity which can be fatal to it.
What types of soil and fertilizer for your agave attenuata?
Earth
- Pot : if you want to grow an agave attenuata in a pot, two solutions are available to you when planting: you can use garden soil, mixed with sand or special succulent potting soil. You will thus benefit from a well-draining substrate. To reinforce this drainage, it is recommended to install a bed of gravel, shards or clay balls at the bottom of the pot. This will allow the water to drain quickly after watering or drenching.
- In the open ground : if you have opted for this method of cultivation, add sand to the garden soil and install a bed of gravel at the bottom of the hole provided for planting.
Fertilizer
The use of special cacti fertilizer is not essential.
Planting and Repotting Swan Neck Agave
- In the open ground : as mentioned previously, agave attenuata can only be grown in the ground if the climate allows it. Furthermore, to encourage its development, you must ensure that you reserve a sufficiently large space for it. Regarding the planting season, choose spring or summer. This will allow it to take root well before the winter rest.
- Pot : from the start, install your agave in a large pot to limit subsequent repotting. It will then only be necessary to repot your agave attenuata when it has become too large for its container.
How to propagate agave attenuata?
When your swan’s neck agave produces suckers, propagating it is child’s play:
- Collect a healthy shoot by separating it from the mother plant using sharp pruning shears. During this operation, be careful to remove the roots.
- On the point where you cut, sprinkle some charcoal powder.
- Let the reject dry for 2 or 3 days.
- You can then plant it in another corner of your garden or in a pot.
How to prune agave attenuata?
Like all agaves, this variety does not need pruning. Indeed, pruning could harm the naturally aesthetic shape of these succulent plants. On the other hand, it may be necessary to remove the flower stalk which can be very large in the case of agave attenuata. To do this, wait until it is completely dry before cutting it at the base and protect your hands and arms, because the sap of any agave can be irritating to the skin.
Cleaning the plant
Cleaning an agave attenuata comes down to removing dry leaves. If you grow it in a pot, it is also possible to dust your plant, if necessary, by passing a soft cloth over its leaves.
Agave species and varieties: there are many species
Agave has many species including agave attenuata. Not all of these species have exactly the same needs. This means that before buying an agave, it is important to find out beforehand depending on what you are looking for and the growing conditions that you have to offer, because some agaves are more or less frost-resistant.
The 7 points to remember about agave attenuata
- Agave attenuata is an easy plant to grow as long as its heat and drainage needs are met.
- Agave attenuata does not sting ! In fact, its leaves are devoid of thorns.
- If you live in an area where temperatures can be very cold, opt for growing in a pot, as swan’s neck agave fears frost.
- In the same way, he fears excess water. To protect it from the risk of rotting, a draining soil or substrate is necessary.
- For this same reason, if you plant it in the ground, be sure to install it in a sloping location.
- The juice of this agave is used for the production of mezcal, a brandy mainly made in Mexico.
- You can count on the agave attenuata to bring a touch of exoticism wherever you install it.