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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Agave Vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    Agave Vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonOctober 30, 2022
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    Agave vilmoriniana is a beautiful succulent plant that makes an unusual and eye-catching addition to any space.

    Agave Vilmoriniana
    Agave Vilmoriniana (“File:Agave vilmoriniana 1.jpg” by Stan Shebs is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    We have provided everything you need to care for this graceful Agave and tips on where and when to place it. We’ll help keep your Octopus Agave looking its best.

    in this article:

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

    About Agave vilmoriniana

    Agave vilmoriniana is a gorgeous evergreen succulent native to Mexico. The name ‘Octopus Agave’ comes from its appearance: it has large, octopus-like leaves arranged in a rosette.

    It’s a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 3 feet tall and spread twice as wide. Undulating, spineless green leaves form a spectacular rosette. The leaves curl inwards, especially near the tip, creating gutter water can seep through.

    The Octopus Agave produces large, yellow flowers after it matures, sending up a tall, almost 20-foot-long flowering stalk laden with plantlets.

    The Agave is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 and requires little care once established in your home landscape or garden bed.

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

    Botanical NameAgave vilmoriniana
    Common NameOctopus Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginMexico
    MaintenanceLow
    Height3-4 feet
    Width5-6 feet
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorYellow, Gold
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    ToxicityMildly-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Agave vilmoriniana Care

    Agave vilmoriniana is a drought-tolerant succulent that requires little care once established in your home landscape or garden bed. However, gardeners do need to keep these essential facts in mind.

    Light

    Agave vilmoriniana is a succulent that requires full sun to thrive. If grown indoors, situate it near a window with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

    Plants in shadier conditions tend to become leggy and pale, with elongated leaves prone to rotting.

    Soil

    Agave vilmoriniana grows best in well-draining soils. If you live in a region with wetter climates, ensure that your soil drains freely before planting.

    If amended with inorganic materials like gravel or coarse sand, the soil can drain even more freely, making it more suitable for this succulent.

    Water

    Agave vilmoriniana requires very little water. It’s best to let the soil dry out between watering sessions. This will help prevent root rot from occurring, a common problem with these plants when watered too often.

    Water deeply but infrequently during the summer and not at all during the winter.

    Temperature and Humidity

    Agave vilmoriniana prefers to be kept between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home is too cold, consider moving these plants to a warmer spot or purchasing a small greenhouse where they can get some extra heat during the winter months.

    Dry conditions are preferable to humid ones as this plant doesn’t like having too much moisture around.

    Fertilizer

    Fertilize your Agave vilmoriniana every two to three months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Do this at the start of springtime as well to help stimulate new growth.

    Agave Vilmoriniana Cheat Sheet
    Agave Vilmoriniana cheat sheet (“Octopus Agave {agave vilmoriniana}” by Drew Avery is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Pruning

    You should only prune these plants if something is wrong or dead on the plant. Ask an expert before cutting if you’re unsure if your Agave needs to be trimmed.

    Agaves tend not to stray from their rosette, making managing their size easy.

    Potting and Repotting Agave vilmoriniana

    If you have a large Agave vilmoriniana, you may need to repot the plant every two years. You should also do this if you notice the roots are growing out of the drainage holes in your container. You’ll want to use a fast-draining potting mix that still holds moisture.

    The best time to repot is as the early spring approaches, as this is when the plant is starting to grow. You can also repot during the summer, but ensure that you do so before temperatures get too hot.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. The container must have drainage holes and be large enough to hold the plant’s roots and the new soil mix.
    • Prepare the soil. Use a growing mix that drains well and holds moisture. You can purchase this at your local garden center or make it by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss.
    • Choose the spot. Choose an area that receives bright sunlight for multiple hours a day.
    • Gather the tools. You’ll need a pair of garden gloves, a trowel or shovel, and a potting mix.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its existing pot. Use your trowel or shovel to loosen the soil around the base of the plant, then gently pull it out with your hands.
    2. Remove any dead leaves and trim back any broken or diseased stems on the plant’s roots.
    3. Put some soil mix into your new pot until its about halfway full
    4. Lower the plant into the pot and gently fill it around it with more soil mix.
    5. Water your new plant thoroughly, then place it in a spot where it will receive plenty of sun (at least 6 hours each day).
    6. Wait at least two weeks before watering again.

    Propagating Agave vilmoriniana by Plantlets (Step-by-Step)

    As it flowers, the Agave vilmoriniana produces abundant plantlets along its flowering spike that can be removed from the stalk, repotted, and cultivated as new plants.

    1. Remove a plantlet from the flowering spike by grasping it gently with a pair of pliers and pulling it away from the stalk.
    2. Wash off all dirt that may be present on the plantlet, then plant it in a small pot filled with a soil mix that drains well (such as cactus mix).
    3. Water your new plant thoroughly after a few days and place it in a spot where it will receive plenty of sun (at least 6 hours each day).
    Multiple Octopus Agave For Sale
    Multiple Octopus Agave for sale (“AgaveVilmoriniana_20141126_KokoCraterBG-Oahu_Cutler_155407” by wlcutler is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

    Blooms

    Agave vilmoriniana is monocarpic, meaning it only blooms once in its lifetime. The plant will produce a tall, flowering spike during its final year of growth and then die shortly after that.

    Flowers are yellow and appear in clusters.

    Plantlets appear on the flowering stalk and serve as an excellent way for the gardener to continue the culture.

    Related: How to Care for Agave Utahensis (Utah Agave)

    Toxicity

    Agave vilmoriniana is mildly toxic, with sap capable of irritation and blistering. The plant is not generally considered a health hazard, but it is best to avoid contact with any part of the plant if possible.

    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 the primary pest of this plant, feeding on the leaves and reducing their ability to photosynthesize. Therefore, removing any infested leaves as soon as possible is best so they do not spread their eggs.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are common pests of Agave, feeding on the sap and causing damage to the plant. You could remove them by rubbing them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or applying horticultural oil to the affected area.

    Slugs and Snails

    Snails and slugs can be a problem when they feed on the plant’s leaves and stems, causing damage that can lead to the death of your Agave. They can be removed by hand or sprayed with a hose filled with water and salt.

    AVOID

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

    Common Problems

    • Sunburn: Too much sun can cause sunburn on your Agave’s leaves and stems. If you notice that your Agave is getting burned, move it to a shadier spot until the problem goes away.
    • Overwatering: Overwatering is a common problem for agaves and cacti, especially when kept indoors. It can cause root rot, which will eventually kill the plant. To prevent this from happening, let the soil dry out slightly between waterings and ensure not to dump too much water on your plants at once.
    • Overfertilization: Overfertilizing your plant can cause it to become too large for its container. It can also stunt new leaves’ growth, making the plant look unhealthy. To prevent this from happening, only use fertilizer when necessary and don’t use a very high concentration of nutrients.

    Agave vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave): Plant Profile and Care Tips (Video)

    FAQ

    Octopus Agave grows very quickly. You can expect it to double in size every year and reach its full size within three years. However, the plant will only flower after at least ten years.

    Octopus Agave is easy to grow. You just need to plant it in well-drained soil and make sure it gets plenty of water and sunlight. As long as the water drains quickly after a watering session, you should have no problems caring for this graceful succulent.

    The average Octopus Agave will live for ten years, but some have been known to live up to 15. Their lifespan depends on when they bloom. Since they’re monocarpic, they die after flowering.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
    2. Royal Horticultural Society. RHS
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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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