Agave Shawii (Shaw’s Agave): Growing and Care Guide

Agave shawii is one of the most popular succulent houseplants available. It makes a stunning statement to any interior vignette but can be tricky to care for properly indoors.

Here, we’ll show you the optimal way to care for and grow Agave shawii plants, so your plants look their best.

About Agave shawii

The Shaw’s Agave, or Agave shawii, is a succulent plant native to California and Baja California (Mexico).

It features bright green leaves bordered by intriguing spines. When seen under sunlight, the spines exhibit a variety of colors, from yellow to red.

The plant is incredibly attractive, making it the perfect choice for succulent enthusiasts looking for something that will add a vibrant touch to their homes.

It has become popular in horticulture because of its attractive form, hardiness, and drought tolerance. In addition, this Agave is often sold as an ornamental plant suited for indoor and outdoor use.

Botanical Name	Agave shawii
Common Name	Shaw’s Agave
Family	Asparagaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	Baja California, California
Maintenance	Low
Height	2-3 feet
Width	2-3 feet
Light	Full sun
Bloom season	Summer
Bloom color	Yellow, Gold
Water needs	Low
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
Tolerant	Deer, Drought
Toxicity	Mildly-toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	9-10

Agave shawii Care

Agave shawii is a low-maintenance plant that requires little effort from the gardener. It is tolerant of neglect and will still thrive even when left unattended.

However, fundamental guidelines still need to be followed to keep it healthy and thriving.

Light

A very bright location is ideal for Agave shawii. You should place this Agave in an area that receives full sun or at least partial shade during the day.

Light shade during the hottest peak of the day is appreciated.

Soil

Agave shawii is a very hardy plant, but it requires well-drained soil. Amend the existing soil with perlite or sand to improve drainage if needed.

Water

Shaw’s Agave is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in dry conditions. Therefore, it should only be watered when the soil has completely dried. Check the soil with your finger before watering to ensure it is not moist.

Temperature and Humidity

Agave shawii is a plant that will thrive in warm, dry conditions. You should keep it away from cold drafts or air vents. The ideal temperature range for this Agave is between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Average room humidity is acceptable for the plant, but it should be monitored to ensure it does not become too humid.

Fertilizer

While agaves are slow-growing plants, they need to be fertilized from time to time. A balanced liquid fertilizer will work wonders for this plant. Apply it every month during the warmer season and not at all during the winter.

Pruning

Agave shawii is a slow-growing plant. Therefore, it will not need to be trimmed or pruned unless dead leaves are present.

If you need to prune the plant, use sharp scissors and ensure that all cuts are clean. You should remove any leaves that have died back quickly not to burden the plant needlessly.

Potting and Repotting Agave shawii

Agave shawii is a slow-growing plant, so it does not need to be repotted very often.

The best time to repot this Agave is during the spring or summer when the temperatures are warmer, and the growing phase is well underway.

Use a well-draining potting soil that contains perlite or vermiculite for best results. When repotting, you should use an equivalent amount of new soil as what was removed from the old container.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the plant from its container.
2. Cut off any dead or decaying roots with the scissors.
3. Using a trowel, loosen the soil around the rootball and clean off any debris.
4. Fill up your new pot with fresh potting medium, leaving enough room for growth.
5. Place your plant into the new container and gently press down on the soil to ensure it holds firmly.
6. Water your plant and place it back in its spot.

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

Start by making sure that your parent plant is well-established and healthy. You will want to wait until the offsets are at least two years old before you begin this process. After that, you can tell them apart from the original plant because they will be much smaller in size than their mother.

1. Once you have chosen an offset to propagate, cut it off from the parent plant.
2. Allow it some time to heal from its wounds.
3. Plant the offset in a pot filled about halfway with well-draining soil.
4. Water thoroughly and place the container in a sunny spot. The new Agave will begin to grow roots on its own once it has been placed in its new home.

Blooms

Agave shawii is monocarpic, which means it will only bloom once in its lifetime. While this plant may take up to ten years to mature, once it does, it will produce flowers on a 12-foot tall flower stalk. The flowers are yellow and very fragrant, attracting pollinators to the plant.

Toxicity

Agave shawii is mildly toxic and should not be ingested by humans or animals. In addition, the sap inside the leaves can irritate if it comes into contact with skin, eyes, or mucus membranes.

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

Agave snout weevil is a common pest of Agave shawii. The adult weevils are brown, slender insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They will also lay eggs inside these areas, causing damage to both young and mature plants.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, immobile insects often found on the leaves of Agave shawii. They can be yellow or brown and appear as small bumps or dots on the surface of the leaves. These pests suck sap from plants and may cause significant damage if not treated quickly. If you think scale insects have infested your plant, use an insecticide such as neem oil to kill them off.

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails cause significant damage to Agave shawii. These tiny creatures will eat your plant’s leaves, leaving behind a trail of slime as they move around. Lay down traps to catch them in your garden.

Common Problems

Agave shawii – Step By Step Care Guide (Video)

FAQ