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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Agave Shawii (Shaw’s Agave): Growing and Care Guide

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

    By Milo MasonOctober 27, 2022
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    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.

    Agave Shawii Leaves
    Agave Shawii leaves (“Agave shawii” by theforestprimeval is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

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

    in this article:

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

    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.

    Related Article: An in-depth guide to all types of Agave succulents

    Botanical NameAgave shawii
    Common NameShaw’s Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginBaja California, California
    MaintenanceLow
    Height2-3 feet
    Width2-3 feet
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorYellow, Gold
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    ToxicityMildly-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.

    Agave Shawii Cheat Sheet
    Agave Shawii cheat sheet (“File:Agave shawii 1.jpg” by Stan Shebs is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    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

    • Prepare the pot. The pot should have a few drainage holes and be made of clay or terracotta to promote drainage.
    • Prepare the soil. The soil should be well-draining and contain inorganic materials to help with drainage.
    • Choose the spot. The best place to repot your Shaw’s Agave is in a location with plenty of natural light. A sunny windowsill will do nicely.
    • Gather the tools. A pair of scissors, a trowel, and some potting soil.

    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.

    Agave Shawii Blooms
    Agave Shawii blooms (“J20160414-0115—Agave shawii—RPBG” by John Rusk is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Related: A Guide to Agave Kissho Kan Care

    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.

    AVOID

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

    Common Problems

    • Frost burn: When temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods, the plant will begin to freeze from the outside in. This causes white discoloration on the tips of the leaves.
    • Sunburn: Sunburn is another common problem with Shaw’s Agave. When you move your plant outdoors, it’s essential to provide some type of shade for it. If the Agave is exposed to too much sunlight, it can cause sunburned spots on the leaves. This can kill off entire sections of your plant if left untreated.
    • Overwatering: Overwatering your Agave shawii can cause root rot and lead to the death of your plant. It’s essential to check the soil daily and only water when it is dry down at least an inch below the surface.

    Agave shawii – Step By Step Care Guide (Video)

    FAQ

    The Agave shawii will get about 3 feet tall and wide.

    It takes about ten years (10) for this plant to reach maturity, but you can speed up the process by fertilizing your plant every year.

    Yes, this plant will bloom when it is mature. The Agave shawii will produce a tall stalk with many yellow flowers on top of it. However, it is monocarpic and dies after flowering.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
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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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