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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Agave montana (Mountain Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Agave montana (Mountain Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonSeptember 28, 2022
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    Are you looking for a beautiful plant that can add some life to your home? The Agave montana plant is an easy-to-grow option that will bring beauty and greenery to your space. First, however, it’s necessary to know how to properly care for this plant to keep it healthy and happy.

    Agave Montana In A Pot
    Agave montana in a pot (“File:Agave montana.jpg” by peganum is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

    Read on for an in-depth walkthrough on how to care for the beautiful Mountain Agave!

    in this article:

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

    About Agave montana

    Agave montana, also known as Mountain Agave, is an evergreen succulent plant native to Mexico.

    It stands out from other succulents because of its intriguing color palette; bottle green leaves lined with bright red margin teeth.

    The rigid, spiny leaves form a tight rosette about 4 feet high. When fully grown, the imprint of overlapping leaves on each other becomes apparent.

    Agave montana is a beautiful plant that can be used as a focal point for your garden.

    It makes a good choice for landscaping in temperate climates, as it is cold-hardy.

    Related Article: Learn about different types of Agave succulents and common varieties

    Botanical NameAgave montana
    Common NameMountain Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginNortheastern Mexico
    MaintenanceLow
    Height3-4 feet
    Width4-5 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial shade
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorYellow, Gold
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought, Rabbit
    ToxicityNon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)7-10

    Agave montana Care

    Agave montana is an easygoing succulent, forgiving of neglect.

    Although every plant is different, some general rules apply to most of them. The following guidelines will help your mountain agave thrive in the right conditions.

    Light

    Agave montana thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade as well. The plant needs a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

    If growing indoors, pick the sunniest windowsill in the room to place your Agave beside.

    Soil

    Agave montana prefers well-draining soil. You can improve the drainage by adding gravel or sand at the bottom of your pot before adding soil. If you don’t have easy access, use potting soil amended with perlite or pumice instead of regular garden soil because it drains better than traditional dirt.

    Water

    Agave montana is drought-tolerant, but it still needs water to thrive. Allow the top inch of potting medium to dry out between thorough waterings.

    In the winter, cut back on watering and only give your plant enough water for it to survive until spring when you can resume regular care again.

    Avoid overwatering and avoid letting the soil remain soggy.

    Temperature and Humidity

    The best temperature for an agave plant is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Agaves thrive in warm, dry climates with low humidity. If the air around your plant gets too humid, it may become susceptible to fungal diseases or rot.

    It is exceptionally heat-tolerant and will have no trouble withstanding temperatures as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Fertilizer

    Use a slow-release fertilizer to keep your Agave healthy. The best time to fertilize is during the growing season, which is usually spring through fall. You can also opt for organic fertilizer or composted manure to help nourish your plant’s soil.

    Agave Montana Cheat Sheet
    Agave montana cheat sheet (author artnature via depositphotos)

    Pruning

    As an Agave, the Mountain Agave rarely requires extensive pruning because the fleshy rosette of leaves tends to limit itself to the confines of its shape. However, it’s still recommended you revisit your Agave every few years to check up on dead growth and prune it away.

    This will help control the plant’s size and shape and remove any dead or dying leaves that serve no purpose.

    Potting and Repotting Agave montana

    Agave montana can be easily repotted, but only in the spring or early summer when the plant goes through the growth phase. The best time to repot an Agave is during this time because it allows them to adjust to their new environment and prepare for the next growing season ahead of schedule.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. The pot should be large enough to provide ample space for the Agave’s roots, and it should have drainage holes in the bottom. 
    • Choose the spot. Agaves need full sun and plenty of heat to thrive. So choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably in an area with temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Prepare the soil. A well-draining soil is best for Agaves. Mix regular potting soil and perlite or vermiculite to create a light, well-draining mix that will allow oxygen to reach your plant’s roots.
    • Gather the tools. You will need a trowel, shovel, and possibly a small rake or hoe.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its pot by lifting it gently.
    2. Use your trowel or shovel to remove all the soil from around the edges of the plant. Make sure not to damage any roots!
    3. Place the Agave in its new pot and fill it with soil mix, leaving at least one inch of space between the soil level and the pot’s rim.
    4. Gently pack down around your plant.
    5. Water well.

    Propagating Agave montana by Seeds (Step-by-Step)

    Agave montana does not produce offsets and remains solitary throughout its lifetime. Therefore, the only way to propagate this plant is by using seeds. To propagate by seeds:

    1. Collect the seeds of an adult plant that has reached maturity.
    2. Clean the sources thoroughly by soaking them in water for two days.
    3. Place the cleaned seeds on a moist paper towel inside a plastic bag. Put this bag in your refrigerator until the seed begins germinating, which should take around 6-8 weeks.
    4. After the seed has sprouted, plant it in a pot with soil and keep it inside. The plant will need to be cultivated under partial sunlight or indoors as an indoor plant.
    Agave Montana White Markings
    Agave montana white markings (“Agave montana” by ck2az is licensed under CC BY 4.0.)

    Blooms

    Agave montana is monocarpic, meaning it only blooms once in its lifetime. Once the plant has reached maturity and begins to flower, it will die.

    The plant produces brilliant yellow flowers that emerge from a tall branching inflorescence that rises from the center of the pot.

    Flowering only occurs in mature plants and, even then, infrequently. For example, the Agave montana takes over ten years to reach maturity.

    Related: Agave Bracteosa (Squid Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Toxicity

    Agave montana is non-toxic. There are no reports of toxicity from ingesting the plant.

    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 of the Agave montana. The adult weevil is dark metallic blue with a curved snout. They are approximately 1/2 inch long and lay eggs on the leaves. Once hatched, the larvae feed on the soft tissue causing them to fall off. 

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are small, immobile, sap-sucking insects that attach themselves to plants and draw out nutrients from the leaves. They are often found on the stems, roots, or leaves of plants.

    Use neem oil to treat the affected areas to get rid of them.

    Slugs and Snails

    Slugs and snails are soft-bodied mollusks that feed on plant material. As a result, they can damage leaves, stems, and roots. To get rid of them, place boards or bricks around the base of your agave plants to create a barrier they cannot cross.

    AVOID

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

    Common Problems

    • Root rot: Root rot is a common problem with succulents that causes the roots of your plant to decay. It occurs as a result of overwatering. To prevent this, ensure your soil drains well and does not stay wet for long periods.
    • Sunburn: Despite being a heat-tolerant plant, Agave montana can sometimes suffer from sunburn. If your Agave has been exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the leaves will begin to turn brown and die back. To prevent this, move your plant into the shade when necessary.
    • Frost burn: Overexposure to frost can also cause damage to your Agave. If you are growing it outdoors, ensure that the plant is protected from cold temperatures by placing it in a sheltered area.

    FAQ

    You should water your Agave once every three weeks or so, depending on the soil type and environmental conditions. Check the soil’s dryness level before committing to a watering session.

    A mature Agave montana can reach a height of 4 feet. These are manageable plants that you can easily cultivate indoors.

    Yes, the Agave montana is cold-hardy. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit without damaging the plant.

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    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.

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