This agave has a lovely blue-gray hue and grows in a symmetrical rosette. The leaves are long and pointy with a black spine at the tip and dark brown serrations along the edges. Despite being monocarpic, it can take up to 15 years or more to flower.
Table of Contents
Care and Propagation Information
Agave macroacantha “Black-spined Agave” is an ideal choice for rock gardens or hanging baskets as it grows into a small, sprawling shrub.
Watering
When caring for a “Black-spined Agave”, it is recommended to follow the “soak and dry” method of watering. This involves allowing the soil to become completely dry before providing the plant with a deep soak.
Where to Plant
For those living in areas that experience temperatures below 30° F (-1.1° C), it is recommended to plant “Black-spined Agave” in a pot that can be moved indoors. This succulent will thrive in either full or partial sunlight.
Put your plants in an area of your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you are growing your plants indoors, make sure to place them in a room where they can get plenty of sunlight, such as near a south-facing window if you are in the Northern Hemisphere.
How to Propagate Agave macroacantha “Black-spined Agave”
The Black-spined Agave can be grown from cuttings or by dividing the plant.
Division
To propagate the “Black-spined Agave”, carefully cut the rhizome into sections with a clean blade. Make sure that each division has plenty of roots attached. Let the cut area dry for 24-48 hours before replanting.
Please exercise caution when handling or propagating the “Black-spined Agave” due to its poisonous sap and dangerous spines on the stem.
Offsets
To propagate “Black-spined Agave,” use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut off one of the offsets from the main plant. Let the offset dry for a few days, then plant it in soil that drains well.
Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Agave macroacantha “Black-spined Agave”
Watering
When caring for a “Black-spined Agave”, it is recommended to follow the “soak and dry” method of watering. This involves allowing the soil to become completely dry before providing the plant with a deep soak.
Where to Plant
For those living in areas that experience temperatures below 30° F (-1.1° C), it is recommended to plant “Black-spined Agave” in a pot that can be moved indoors. This succulent will thrive in either full or partial sunlight.
Put your plants in an area of your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you are growing your plants indoors, make sure to place them in a room where they can get plenty of sunlight, such as near a south-facing window if you are in the Northern Hemisphere.
How to Propagate Agave macroacantha “Black-spined Agave”
The Black-spined Agave can be grown from cuttings or by dividing the plant.
Division
To propagate the “Black-spined Agave”, carefully cut the rhizome into sections with a clean blade. Make sure that each division has plenty of roots attached. Let the cut area dry for 24-48 hours before replanting.
Please exercise caution when handling or propagating the “Black-spined Agave” due to its poisonous sap and dangerous spines on the stem.
Offsets
To propagate “Black-spined Agave,” use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut off one of the offsets from the main plant. Let the offset dry for a few days, then plant it in soil that drains well.
FAQ
How often should I water my indoor agave plant?
Make sure the soil is well-draining and provides good air circulation. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer when the plant is actively growing. Prune away dead or discolored leaves and flowers for a neat, pleasing appearance.
How often do you water agave indoors?
In general, water your plant once to twice a month in the summer when it is actively growing, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to become slightly dry between waterings. During the other seasons, water the plant approximately once a month, taking care not to let the soil dry out completely.
How do you protect agave in the winter?
Protect the agaves by completely covering them with frost cloth, bubble wrap, a plastic tarp, or a large cardboard box. Make sure to secure the covering to the ground with a heavy object so that it does not blow away. Even if you are not sure if the agave is cold tolerant, it is best to cover it in order to keep it safe.
How often do you water an agave cactus?
Fertilize the plant once in spring or summer with a well-balanced fertilizer. Prune your agave when it’s necessary to shape and remove dead leaves.
How do you care for agave Macroacantha?
Agave macroacantha is a succulent that is quite drought-tolerant and prefers to be watered only when the soil is completely dry. If too much water is given, the plant may rot, so be sure to wait until the soil is bone dry before giving it another drink. You can check the soil’s moisture level by sticking your fingers into the dirt.