Agave bracteosa (Spider Agave)-Care Tips

Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! Today it is all about how to grow and care for the Agave bracteosa. Agave bracteosa is a succulent plant native to Mexico. It is commonly known as the ‘Squid Agave’ because of its unusual shape. The succulent leaves are long and thin, with a sharp tip that resembles a squid’s tentacle. It is also called the ‘Spider Agave’ because of the spider-like spread of the leaves as they curve backward. These gorgeous green leaves form a small solitary rosette that can reach around 1 foot.
*********************
RESOURCES & LINKS:
*********************
Agave bracteosa (Spider Agave)-Care Tips
brainygardener...
*********************
Video Timestamps
*********************
0:00 - Introduction
1:13- Light and Location
1:47 - Watering
2:25- Temperature
2:47 - Humidity
3:02 - Fertilization
3:32 - Propagation
4:40 - Potting and Repotting
5:54 - Toxicity and Common Pests
7:00 - Note and Avoid
*********************
Summary
Agave bracteosa is a succulent plant native to Mexico. It is commonly known as the ‘Squid Agave’ because of its unusual shape. The succulent leaves are long and thin, with a sharp tip that resembles a squid’s tentacle. It is also called the ‘Spider Agave’ because of the spider-like spread of the leaves as they curve backward. These gorgeous green leaves form a small solitary rosette that can reach around 1 foot.
1. Light and Location
The spider agave needs a location that is well-ventilated and gets sufficient sunlight. Agave bracteosa can withstand direct sunlight, but it grows best under some summer shade to avoid yellowing. It thrives especially well in the shade of small trees.
2. Watering
Agave bracteosa doesn’t require a lot of water. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by new owners. Drought tolerance of spider agave is similar to that of most succulents. The soil should dry out in between watering. During the winter, the plant goes dormant and may not require any water at all. Check your soil before watering to ensure it’s moist but not soggy.
3. Temperature
Agave bracteosa prefers temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures as low as 17 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. It’s also highly heat tolerant, making it one of the few succulents that can survive on both extremes of the temperature spectrum.
4. Humidity
The average room humidity is fine. Therefore, you should not need to mist the plant or provide additional moisture. They prefer low humidity because high humidity can lead to rot.
5. Fertilization
Agave bracteosa does not require regular fertilization. Overfertilizing is likely to kill the plant because it cannot tolerate excessive nutrient salts in its soil. If you want to fertilize, wait until after the first growing season when new growth appears and feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer solution or slow-release granules once per year.
6. Propagation
The most common propagation method for spider agave is by using offsets. The process of propagation is usually carried out during growing seasons or when repotting. First select a suitable offset and remove it from the mother plant by cutting through the base with sharp pruning shears. Allow the open wound to callus over for a few days before planting. Place the offset in a pot with good drainage and a well-draining soil mixture.
7. Potting and Repotting
Best time to repot Agave bracteosa is during the spring. It is the time when you can give it plenty of water. It is a slow-growing plant and can be left in the same pot for years. Only repot if the plant needs it or has outgrown its pot. Spider agave is a succulent plant as such needs to be kept in a porous, well-draining potting mix.
8. Toxicity and Common Pests
Agave bracteosa is not considered toxic but contains saponins that can cause skin irritation. These plants are susceptible to Agave snout weevil, Scale Insects and Slugs and Snails.
9. Please Note and Avoid
Over-watering
Placing Under Harsh Sunlight
Using Poorly Drained Potting Mediums
Fertilizing During Dormancy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for watching (and reading!). If you've found this video to be useful, please give it a thumbs up or leave a comment below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
► Subscribe to Brainy Gardener: bit.ly/3EsWsiE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
► Our Website: brainygardener...
Get tips, ideas and inspiration to help make your home greener