El blue agave It is one of the most drought-resistant plants in existence, and also one of the most beautiful species of its kind if I may say so  . Although it has a very specific use, the truth is that having it in a garden, as part of it, can undoubtedly be a reason for joy, why?
Because it is very, very easy to care for, being especially ideal to have it in areas with rather warm climates and where rainfall is generally low. But don't worry about the cold, as it also resists frosts of a certain intensity. Dare to know him.
Origin and characteristics of the blue agave
Image - Flickr / GorissM
Known as blue agave, this succulent plant receives the scientific name of Tequilana agave. It is originally from America, specifically from Mexico and its surroundings. It develops a rosette of leathery leaves, in the shape of a sword, with the margins armed with small thorns, of a bluish-silver color. It can reach a height of 60cm.
Es monocarpic, that is to say, after flowering, something that it does at 6 to 12 years old, it dies not before having produced numerous seeds that are not usually viable and, above all, suckers that are coming out from the sides. The inflorescence -group of flowers- is a long umbel, which can exceed 2 meters in height, and is yellowish in color.
What are the care you need?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
Location
The blue agave is a plant that it has to be outside, in full sun. It is important that it has room to grow, since although it is not very large, if it is too close to other plants it will not be able to develop normally. For this reason, we recommend planting it at a distance of at least one meter from other succulents, shrubs, etc., as well as from walls and walls.
Earth
- Flower pot: fill with universal substrate (for sale No products found.) mixed with perlite (for sale No products found.) in equal parts.
- Garden: grows in soils with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH, with good drainage.
Irrigation
Rather little. Water an average of 2 times a week during the hottest and dry season, and every 10 to 15 days the rest of the year.
In case you have it in a pot, it is better that you do not put any plate under it unless you remember to remove the remaining water 20 minutes after watering, otherwise the roots would rot.
When watering, avoid wetting the leaves, especially if at that time it is still in direct sunlight to avoid causing burns.
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Image - Wikimedia / Juan Ignacio 1976
If you are only going to want it as an ornamental plant, you can fertilize it with a compost for cacti and other succulents (on sale No products found.) following the indications specified on the product packaging.
But if you want to give it another (culinary) use, we recommend fertilizing it with a quality organic fertilizer, such as guano (for sale No products found.) or even seaweed extract (for sale No products found.). Likewise, it is important to follow the instructions, because even if they are natural fertilizers, they are so concentrated that the risk of overdose is equally high if they are not used in the correct way.
Multiplication
As we said before, the blue agave produces seeds but since they are not usually viable, the method used to multiply it is by separating the suckers in spring, or autumn if winter is mild. This is done when they have a size that facilitates their handling, that is, more or less when they have reached a height of about 5 to 10 centimeters.
With the help of a serrated knife previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol, they are separated from the mother plant and planted in other areas of the garden or, if preferred, in individual pots with vermiculite (on sale No products found.).
Even if they are young plants, don't be afraid to put them in the sun right from the start. Their leaves may burn a little, but if the mother was already growing in a place exposed to the sun, her children will adapt quickly.
Planting or transplanting time
En spring, when the risk of frost has passed.
If you have it in a pot, transplant it to a larger one every 2 years.
Plagues and diseases
No pest or disease problems, but It is advisable to do preventive treatments against the agave weevil (similar to the beetle, but longer and thinner) from spring to early fall. This insect enters the interior of the plant, leaves its eggs in it, and once they hatch, they feed on it.
The products to be used are the same as against the red palm weevil, namely: Chlorpyrifos or Imidacloprid (depending on the country and the product, a phytosanitary product handling card will be needed).
Another option is to use diatomaceous earth (for sale No products found.), even if there are no symptoms. This is a natural product and for which you do not need a license to use it.
Rusticity
Resists cold and frost up to -4ºC.
What uses is given to Tequilana agave?
Image - Wikimedia / Bvidl
Ornamental
It is a very decorative and easy-to-care plant, which it will look great in your low maintenance garden, but also on terraces and balconies.
Culinary
As its surname indicates, it is an agave with which the famous Mexican tequila is made, with the »pineapple» of the plant once the leaves have been removed and it has undergone the process of making it.
What did you think of the blue agave?