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 ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Agave ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonOctober 23, 2022
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

    Interested in the Agave ovatifolia but worried about the upkeep? Don’t worry; it’s easy! You can grow this gorgeous plant in your home or garden and add a vibrant pop of color to any space.

    Agave Ovatifolia
    Agave ovatifolia (author panthermediaseller via depositphotos)

    Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant for your home or an impressive addition to your outdoor garden, the Whale’s Tongue Agave is a safe bet. This guide will help you get started.

    in this article:

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

    About Agave ovatifolia

    A native of Mexico, Agave ovatifolia is a beautiful plant that has become popular among gardeners in the United States. It’s most commonly known by the name Whale’s Tongue Agave in reference to the girth of its leaves.

    Agave ovatifolia is an evergreen rosette-shaped succulent that produces thick, waxy leaves that grow up to 3 feet long and incredibly broad. The leaves are bluish-green with sharp, bent spines spread out along their edges. They end in a terminal spine that completes the look.

    Agave ovatifolia rosettes remain small, never reaching more than 3 feet in height. As a result, these plants are suited for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

    Related Article: Different types of Agave succulents and their common varieties

    Botanical NameAgave ovatifolia
    Common NameWhale’s Tongue Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginMexico
    MaintenanceLow
    Height3-4 feet
    Width4-6 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial shade
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorYellow, Green
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    ToxicityMildly-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)7-11

    Agave ovatifolia Care

    This is an easy-to-care-for succulent, but it does require some special considerations. Agave ovatifolia is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 11, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in those regions.

    Light

    The best place for the Agave ovatifolia is in full sun, though it can tolerate some shade. If your Agave receives too little light, its leaves will get pale and lose color.

    If it’s getting too much sun, it risks sunburn.

    Soil

    The Agave ovatifolia prefers sandy soil that drains well. Mixing in some inorganic material (pumice, perlite) is best because this will help prevent soil from getting waterlogged.

    Soil pH levels don’t really matter all that much, but it performs best when grown in mildly acidic soils (between 5.5 and 7).

    Water

    The Agave ovatifolia needs to be watered deeply, but not frequently. Once established, you should start watering once a week during the summer and once a month during winter.

    Overwatering causes root rot, the most common cause of death for the plant. The easiest to tell if your Agave needs water is to stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels bone dry at that depth, then you should water it deeply.

    Temperature and Humidity

    The Agave ovatifolia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers to be kept between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer climates, it’s best to provide some shade during the hottest times of the day.

    It is surprisingly frost-hardy down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit but should be sheltered from any direct wind.

    Humidity should be between 40% and 50%, which you can easily achieve without much effort.

    Fertilizer

    Agave ovatifolia does not require fertilizer for healthy growth, though you can use a balanced fertilizer if you want to promote faster growth.

    It is best to use sow-release fertilizers since they are better for the soil and do not contain any harsh chemicals or additives.

    Fertilize in the spring when the plant first starts to enter its growing phase.

    Pruning

    Pruning an agave is not often necessary. However, if you do need to prune it, the best time is during the plant’s dormant period in the winter or early spring. Just make sure there you do not accidentally damage any live leaves by mistake.

    Agave Ovatifolia Cheat Sheet
    Agave ovatifolia cheat sheet (“Agave ovatifolia” by raulernestoo3 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.)

    Potting and Repotting Agave ovatifolia

    Agave ovatifolia should be repotted every few years. It is best to repot your Agave when it has outgrown its current container or if it has stopped growing.

    You should also repot your Agave if you notice that the roots have filled up most of the soil in their current container and are starting to grow outside of it.

    Wait for spring to repot your plant, as agaves are dormant during the winter.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. Choose a pot at least one and a half times bigger than your current one. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom.
    • Prepare the soil. You can use a store-bought succulent soil mix or make your own. To make your own, combine one part potting soil with two parts sharp sand and one part perlite.
    • Choose the spot. Place your Agave in an area where it will get bright sunlight.
    • Gather the tools. You will need a trowel, gloves, and pruning shears.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its pot. Take a trowel and gently remove all the soil from around the base of your Agave. Try not to disturb any roots.
    2. Clean the roots. Use a soft brush to wipe away any dirt from the roots.
    3. Remove any dead or damaged leaves.
    4. Gently place your Agave in its new pot and fill it with soil mix until it’s about one inch from the top.
    5. Use a watering can to water your plant thoroughly, making sure it all drains out immediately afterward.

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

    Agave ovatifolia rarely offsets, and most gardeners need to look for alternatives to grow another plant from the mother plant. Seeds are a viable alternative if you can get your hands on them. To propagate by seeds:

    1. Collect the seeds from the fruit of your Agave ovatifolia and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to be planted.
    2. Sow the seeds under a fine layer of soil in a pot filled with cactus soil or any other type of lightweight soil mix.
    3. Just keep the potting medium slightly moist (not soggy), and place it in a warm area free from direct sunlight. The Agave seeds will germinate within a few weeks.
    4. When the plants are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger pots or your garden bed (depending on space).
    Agave Ovatifolia Leaves
    Agave ovatifolia leaves (“Agave ovatifolia” by sunasak is licensed under CC BY 4.0.)

    Blooms

    Agave ovatifolia is monocarpic, which means that it will bloom only once in its lifetime. When the Agave is ready to bloom, it will send up a tall stalk (15 feet) with bright yellow and green flowers at the top.

    Blooming only occurs after the plant has matured for over 15 years, more likely 20.

    Unlike most Agave, this one doesn’t produce offsets to continue the culture. You will have to propagate by seeds.

    Related:

    Agave parrasana (Cabbage Head Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Toxicity

    Agave ovatifolia is mildly toxic. The plant sap irritates the skin and mucous membranes, especially if you come into contact with it for a long time.

    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 this plant. They are small and black, with white antennae. They lay their young on the plant leaves, which hatch into larvae that eat holes in the leaves.

    Treatment is usually with systemic insecticides. 

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are small, hard bumps on the plant. They produce a secretion that attracts ants. You can scrape these off with your fingernail or use insecticidal soap to remove them.

    Slugs and Snails

    Slugs and snails can be a problem, especially in warm weather. You can use traps or copper tape to reduce the population of these pests or catch them in the act.

    AVOID

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

    Common Problems

    • Frost burn: If your Agave is exposed to very cold temperatures, it can become susceptible to frost burn. You can fix this problem by moving the plant into a warm environment where it will be protected from such temperatures.
    • Sunburn: Sunburn can occur when your Agave is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. To deal with this issue, try moving your Agave into the shade or under a tree, which will receive less light.
    • Root rot: Plants that are overwatered can become susceptible to a fungal infection called root rot. This is usually caused by excessive watering, but it can also be caused by using water that’s not draining properly. Remove the affected roots and repot to give your Agave a fresh start.

    Agave ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue Agave): Best Way to Take Care Of (Video)

    FAQ

    Agave ovatifolia is a slow-growing plant that will take several years to reach maturity. It can take up to fifteen years for the plant to grow from a seedling into an adult; even then, it won’t grow any larger than about 3 feet tall.

    The plant reaches a height of about 3 feet and can live for up to 20 years. However, it is slow-growing and will not grow any larger than that even after decades.

    Agave ovatifolia can be propagated by seed or offsets. Unfortunately, the offsets appear only infrequently, so they’re not reliable as a source of new plants.

    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.