Brainy Gardener

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Brainy Gardener
    • Home
    • Houseplants
    • Succulents and Cacti
    • Bromeliad
    • Contact
    Brainy Gardener
    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Agave havardiana (Havard Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Agave havardiana (Havard Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonNovember 9, 2022
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

    A beautiful, hardy plant, the Agave havardiana can grow anywhere, from your backyard to indoors to a greenhouse. This gorgeous succulent is ready to spread its beauty anywhere and everywhere; if given a chance.

    Agave Havardiana Rosette
    Agave havardiana rosette (author froemic via depositphotos)

    But if you’re not careful, it could become a scraggly mess. This is why we’ve created this in-depth guide to help you care for your Agave havardiana and keep it healthy and beautiful.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Agave havardiana 

    The Agave havardiana is an evergreen succulent plant native to Mexico and Southwestern Texas. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide in the wild, but it will usually only reach half that size in your home.

    It is known for its extremely sharp spines, which are capable of causing severe injury.

    This Agave forms a tight rosette of overlapping leaves that are thick and leathery. It is grey-green, with bent spines that can become lodged in the skin.

    Agave havardiana has been used by Apaches for centuries, not only as food but also for medicinal purposes. The leaves of this plant can be eaten or used to make alcohol; however, you should note that the leaves can be mildly toxic, so you should avoid eating them if you’re not sure if they are safe or not.

    Related Article: Different types of Agave succulents and common varieties

    Botanical NameAgave havardiana
    Common NameHavard Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginTexas, Mexico
    MaintenanceLow
    Height2-3 feet
    Width3-5 feet
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorYellow, Gold
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought, Dry or Rocky Soil
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)5-10

    Agave havardiana Care

    Agave havardiana is a forgiving succulent that thrives under neglect. It doesn’t ask much from the gardener beyond a sunny position, well-draining soil, and a little water.

    However, if you want to keep your Agave havardiana looking its best all year round, you may need to provide a little more care.

    Light

    Agave havardiana is a light-loving succulent that needs at least four or five hours of direct light daily. It will not do well in low-light conditions, so if you don’t have a particularly sunny location, consider moving it or swapping it for another succulent.

    Soil

    Agave havardiana likes a well-draining soil that’s on the gritty side. You can accomplish this by adding sand to your potting mix or using perlite or pumice.

    If you’re using standard potting soil, ensure it drains well before adding it to the container.

    Water

    Agave havardiana must be watered only when the soil has become completely dry. This means the soil’s surface should not be damp or wet when watering it.

    Overwatering causes root rot and other issues.

    Temperature and Humidity

    Agave havardiana tolerates a wide range of temperatures and humidity but prefers warm conditions. The ideal range is somewhere between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Consider placing it near a heat source such as a window or in an unheated conservatory in cooler climates.

    It is frost hardy to below-freezing if kept dry.

    Fertilizer

    Agave havardiana does not require much fertilizer. If you want to, fertilize it once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.

    Don’t fertilize in winter when the plant leaves its growing season. It is a slow-growing succulent that takes many years to reach maturity, so be patient.

    However, good fertilizer application and optimal conditions can significantly speed up this process.

    Agave Havardiana (Havard Agave) Cheat Sheet
    Agave havardiana (Havard Agave) Cheat Sheet (“Harvard Agave {agave havardiana}” by Drew Avery is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Pruning

    Agave havardiana does warrant much pruning. Trim off any dead leaves as needed when you repot the plant, but avoid cutting back live leaves.

    Potting and Repotting Agave havardiana

    Agave havardiana can be potted in a variety of containers, including clay pots and terra cotta. The plant prefers well-draining soil that has been amended with organic material such as peat moss or coconut coir. Clay pots are ideal because they allow air to circulate around the roots and keep moisture from building up too quickly.

    Spring is the season for repotting because that’s when the plant is just starting to get into its growth phase. Therefore, it can easily recover from any damage done during the repotting process.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. A container a bit larger than the previous one with drainage holes drilled into the bottom.
    • Prepare the soil. A well-draining mixture of one part potting soil and one part perlite or vermiculite.
    • Choose the spot. The location should be warm and sunny, with good air circulation.
    • Gather the tools. A pot, a trowel, and some newspaper.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the Agave from its container and gently loosen the soil around it.
    2. Use a trowel to separate any tangled roots, then trim off any damaged or dead roots with sharp scissors.
    3. Put a layer of newspaper or plastic under your potting table to catch any dirt that falls out during repotting, so you don’t have to wash it away later on!
    4. Gently place the Agave in the new container, filling in around it with soil and patting it down to ensure good contact between roots and soil.
    5. Water thoroughly, but don’t let water pool around the base of the plant or get on leaves; this can cause disease!

    Propagating Agave havardiana by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

    The first step is finding an offset you would like to propagate. They are usually found near the base of a mother plant and have a few leaves on them already.

    1. Remove the offset from the mother Agave plant and prepare it for planting.
    2. Give the cutting some time to callus over and heal (reduces the chance of rot).
    3. Once the cutting has callused over, it can be planted.
    4. Place the offset in an area with bright light and good air circulation.
    5. Water the offset regularly until it is established. After a few weeks pass, you should see new growth appear, which means that it has rooted successfully and is ready to be transplanted into its own container!

    Blooms

    Agave havardiana is monocarpic, which means it will die after flowering. However, the plant will produce a single huge flower stalk, often reaching up to ten feet in height.

    These succulents only bloom after they’ve reached maturity, which takes about 10-15 years.

    The gold and yellow flowers attract hummingbirds, adding a touch of color to the garden.

    Related: How to Care and Grow Agave Americana (Century Plant)

    Toxicity

    Agave Havardiana Spines
    Agave havardiana spines (“Agave havardiana” by annikaml is licensed under CC BY 4.0.)

    Agave havardiana is non-toxic. In fact, it was used by Native Americans to make mescal or mezcal, a clear alcoholic drink that’s made from the fleshy core of the plant.

    However, the spines on the sides of the leaves are viciously barbed and can cause nasty cuts if you’re not careful.

    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 snout weevil

    The Agave snout weevil is a common pest that can cause serious damage to the plant. These small, black beetles lay their eggs in the fleshy base of the leaves, which hatch into larvae that feed on and destroy it.

    Remove any infested leaves immediately and discard them to prevent this from happening.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are small, hard-shelled insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of agave plants. They secrete a liquid that attracts ants and other insects. These insects feed on the honeydew and, in turn, protect the scale from predators like ladybugs.

    Slugs and Snails

    Slugs and snails will destroy your agave plants if left unchecked. They feed on the plant’s leaves, leaving behind a trail of slime as they travel. The best way to prevent them from feeding on your agaves is by using bait or traps to capture them.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: Overwatering your agave plants is one of the gardeners’ most common problems. When watering, ensure good drainage to prevent any problems down the road.
    • Sunburn: Agave havardiana has a high tolerance for heat. However, if the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, it can get sunburned. The symptoms of this include yellowing leaves, brown spots, and dieback.
    • Frost burn: Agave havardiana is frost hardy, but if wet, it can get frost-burned. The symptoms of this include white discoloration along the tips of the plant. Discard the affected areas quickly and be more careful in the future.

    How to Grow and Care for:Agave havardiana (Havard Agave) (Video)

    FAQ

    Agave havardiana can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It doesn’t offset freely, so it’s safe to be planted in a garden bed. And it remains small throughout its lifetime, so it’s quite suited as an indoor potted plant.

    It would be best if you watered Agave havardiana when the soil is dry to a depth of 2 inches. Then, water until it drains out while ensuring the soil drains freely.

    The Agave havardiana can get up to 3 feet tall, but it typically stays smaller than that. It doesn’t spread too vigorously, so you can expect it to remain in the same area for most of its life.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
    Share. Facebook Pinterest Tumblr Email
    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

    Related Posts

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    Comments are closed.

    Don't Miss

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya pulverulenta (Chalk Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Brainy Gardener is a gardening blog that offers practical, real-life tips and inspiration to help you know how to garden successfully. The website has in depth, well written and clear articles on all sorts of topics and plants, from hydroponics to specific plants like daisies or succulents, houseplants, plant problems

    Email Us: info@brainygardener.com

    Our Picks

    Stem Rot: A Common but Devastating Disease for Garden Plants

    February 1, 2023

    Say Goodbye to Rust Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide for Houseplant Owners

    January 31, 2023

    The Healthy Houseplant Handbook: All About Bacterial Leaf Spot

    January 30, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest gardening tips from Brainy Gardener.

    © 2023 BrainyGardener.com. All rights reserved.
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.