Do you have an Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ plant?
Are you looking for a way to keep your plant healthy and beautiful?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together this guide to help you learn what it takes to care for and grow your Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ plant.
in this article:
About Agave attenuata ‘Nova’
Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ is a lovely, drought-tolerant succulent with large, attractive blue-green leaves. The leaves are void of any margins and have a smooth, uniform surface. They are flexible and curve backward.
When fully grown, individual rosettes can get quite large at about 5 feet tall. In addition, multiple rosettes emerge from the same culture, allowing for easy propagation down the road.
A 10-foot-tall stalk emerges from the center of the rosette of mature plants when they are at their peak. It is topped with a cluster of greenish-yellow flowers.
Related Article: Learn about different types of Agave succulents and common varieties
| Botanical Name | Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ |
| Common Name | Agave attenuata ‘Nova’, Agave Attentuata ‘Boutin Blue’, Blue Fox tail Agave |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Garden Origin |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 3-5 feet |
| Width | 3-5 feet |
| Light | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Bloom season | Summer |
| Bloom color | Yellow, Green |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought, Salt |
| Toxicity | Mildly Toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 8-12 |
Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ Care
Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ is a succulent that requires very little maintenance. It can be grown both outdoors and indoors. However, it can get quite large and may not be suitable for small spaces.
Light
Full sun is best for optimal growth and flowering, but this plant can tolerate partial shade. Avoid placing your Agave in direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf burn and damage the plant structure of your Agave.
A south-facing window or a patio deck that receives plenty of light during the day are ideal locations.
Soil
Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ (Boutin Blue) is a succulent plant that requires well-drained soil. We recommend a mix of sand and organic matter to provide good drainage while retaining adequate moisture. Store-bought succulent or cactus mixes can also work.
Water
Water when you’re sure the soil is dry, and avoid overwatering. In winter, water less frequently as the plant is dormant and uses little water. Do not allow the soil to remain submerged for extended periods; this can lead to root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
It’s a good idea to keep the plant between 55 and 75 degrees F (12-24 Celsius), but it’ll survive temperatures as low as 10°F (−12.2°C) if kept completely dry.
Average room humidity is usually more than enough, as this plant doesn’t care either way.
Fertilizer
It’s important to fertilize your Agave once a year, but you should use only slow-release fertilizer and avoid over-fertilizing. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) for the best results.
Pruning
Pruning is an excellent way to control the size and shape of your Agave. Prune in spring or fall, when plants are dormant.
Cut off dead leaves at their base and remove suckers that grow from the base. To create a more formal plant, use pruning shears or clippers rather than pulling off dead leaves by hand.
Potting and Repotting Agave attenuata ‘Nova’
Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ is a succulent that can be grown in containers, and it is best to repot it when the plant has outgrown its current container.
It is possible to transplant your agave plants at any time of year successfully, but some weeks are better than others.
Generally, the best time of year for repotting agaves is during the springtime (April through September), as they can undergo stress if exposed to cold temperatures.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from the pot.
- Remove old potting mix, ensuring you don’t damage roots.
- Remove old soil, if present.
- Fill in the new container with well-draining potting soil.
- Ease the rootball into the soil, ensuring it’s secure in its new home by tamping down on the soil around it.
- Water lightly and wait for your Agave to become established.
Propagating Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ using Plantlets
Plantlets are the new growths on agave plants. You can easily remove them and grow them into new plants. This is a good way to propagate your plants without waiting for seeds to mature.
- Separate the plantlets from the parent rosette by cutting them off with a sharp knife.
- Plant each plantlet in well-draining soil, keeping it moist until it becomes established.
- Water regularly until the roots are settled, which should take about three weeks, depending on temperature and humidity levels.
- After that, they can be transplanted into their permanent location when they have grown to approximately six inches high.
Blooms
Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ blooms in late spring and early summer. The flowers are small and greenish yellow, borne on a 10-foot-tall flower stalk. They are followed by small, round seed pods containing seeds you can plant to grow new agave plants.
Toxicity
The Agave attenuate ‘Nova’ plant is mildly toxic to humans. In addition, the sap of agaves can cause skin irritation if it gets into contact with the skin.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ is susceptible to the following pests:
Agave snout weevil
The agave snout weevil is a small, 1/8-inch long beetle that feeds on the leaves and flowers of agaves. It likes to reproduce in the space between leaves, compounding the problem if left unchecked. Control is difficult because only one or two larvae can seriously damage a large plant during its development. If you notice any damage on your plants, prune off damaged portions and spray insecticide.
Scale Insects
These are small, hard-shelled insects that suck sap from a plant’s leaves and stems. They can also secrete a small amount of honeydew, which attracts ants. If you see any signs of these pests, rub neem oil to prevent spread.
Slugs and Snails
These slimy pests can cause significant damage to your Agave, especially young seedlings. They feed on your Agave’s leaves and stems, leaving holes and damage behind as they go. To remove slugs and snails, you’ll have to remove them by hand.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
Common Problems
Root rot
This problem occurs when the plant’s roots are submerged in water for too long. It can happen if the soil becomes too wet or there is too much rain.
You can prevent root rot by ensuring your Agave gets good drainage and never letting the soil become soggy or muddy!
If you suspect your Agave of having root rot, it’s best to reduce watering immediately, remove the plant from its pot and prune away the affected roots.
Sunburn
Overexposure to direct sunlight causes leaves on this succulent plant to turn brown and crispy at their tips; this discoloration may also extend down into the leaf blade, creating what looks like streaks across its surface.
When this happens, you should remove your Agave from any window that gets full sun exposure during the day.
Frost burn
Frost burn appears as white discoloration of the leaves. It is caused by exposure to freezing cold temperatures and moist soil.
The only way to treat frost burn is to remove the affected leaves and start over.
Agave attenuata ‘Nova’ – Tips to keep your plant healthy (Video)