It ’s easy and fun to divide and move agave works and other plants that make clone offshoots , or “ pup . ” With a little workplace and patience , you’re able to make your horticulture budget go further by including them in your garden innovation . If you do n’t have any more room , they also make great gifts !
We ’re not talk about cuttings , so you do n’t necessitate to use a rooting endocrine or worry about whether a clipping will “ take ” because you ’re get hold of a whole plant from the “ mother ” works and moving it to a fresh spot .
As long as you do n’t damage the roots and give it the right soil and just the right amount of water , your newly moved agave should do just ticket .
I decided to do a last - moment mini - planting - makeover in a small planting bottom left of my home ’s entering . I had to quickly get my house ready because it was being tack out for another on a holiday home enlistment .
magniloquent , tired plant were taking over the plantings on the left side of my front walk , so I got rid of them all but a palm tree diagram that grew there on its own and some smaller agaves that I put there eld ago . ( Which were not meant to be a lasting location , but here they are 8 years later ! ) .
One of my favorites , Agave salmiana ‘ Ferox , ’ was the plant life I choose to go in front of my arched windowpane because it was bragging and beautiful . Their declamatory size and graceful , urn - influence form make them a support - out in any landscape painting . Ferox is Latin for fierce , and this agave lives up to its name .
The only job ? December ‘ tis not the season to be buying landscape plants , even from wholesale baby’s room . My wholesaler only had it in a variegate bod , which I did n’t require because I already have a bed with variegated Agave americana medio - picta ‘ Alba . ’
So , I wait all over the Bay Area and found that Cactus Jungle in Berkeley was the only place with one . It was actually Agave salmiana , minus the ‘ Ferox ’ . However , I realized it ’s really the case implant at Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma , which was my original inspiration . The masses at Cactus Jungle told me that it has all-embracing leaves than the Ferox cultivar , which I already think is better .
Stunning display of tremendous Agave salmianas with Mexican Feathergrass repeated in quarrel at Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma , CA
Being a retail nursery though , the price was quite a moment unconscionable than I would normally pay . Agaves are tardily - growing plant that postulate a lot of body of work and metre to develop before they can be trade when they ’re heavy , which is why the 10 gallon container cost $ 185 . After hemming and hawing , I resolve to sting the fastball .
I always reckon the ROI ( yield on investment ) of larger purchases . Just because I ’ve wanted one for year is n’t the only matter that ’s on my mind . I also suppose about the bigger image . With my figure sense , this wo n’t be a typical landscape when it ’s all say and done , designed and establish . Having a plant life like this that makes a statement can raise the value of my home , especially if I use landscape lighting to show it off right .
Good design should make up for itself and then some . Along with pretend something look good and work well , my goal with every design undertaking is to summate value . When planning a big project , whether it ’s for the inside or the outside , I think you should remember about the cost - benefit ratio . This mean figuring out where to spend your money to get the most for it . It should n’t be the only thing you reckon about , though . Some parts of a project are there just because they make you happy , which ca n’t be measured in the same fashion but is still deserving something .
Agave americana var . medio - picta Alba with pups in front of a Canary Island medal . Source | Greenhouse Studio
Some might say that this think it might be better to fund a kitchen project or else of a landscape gardening project . perhaps , but I think a lot of people can picture themselves remodeling their kitchen and will do a good task of it . As it stand up , there are only so many ways to set up a kitchen . you could stage the convenience , cabinet , and countertop in different ways , and you could choose from different surface and complete materials . All of this is lay out in a flat , usually rectangular box .
But a good landscape ? Too often it ’s done badly or is at best , mediocre . Most people ca n’t manage the many variables in a living system like a garden well . You have to think about things like weather condition , slope , drain , sun exposure , and more , in plus to how you arrange the hardscape and erect element and then choose the plants .
So , I think a slap-up landscape add a “ wow ” gene that other remodeling might or might not , and it can often be done for less money than many family remodeling project . Therefore , potentially , a better ROI .
Overall , I desire to strain that the century plant can bear for itself , but not next time of year because they produce slowly and will involve years to strain their full size of it .
However , this agave came with several pups which I ’ll utilize a in other spot in my landscape design . This offsets the monetary value of a few other plant I would otherwise have buy from the sweeping greenhouse .
Agave salmiana “ mother flora ” is planted at upper left wing by the entry steps . Other locations for using the divided up and transfer agave pups are circled on the bottom half of program .
When I realise I had these pups , I chose to use them rather of other plants that were on my home ’s planting programme ( see above ) .
Why Transplant Agave Pups
Before diving in , let ’s review the benefit of transplanting agave pup :
Save money – produce destitute plants countervail the cost of purchasing mature American aloe from a nursery
take your garden – expend the pup to repeat agaves in your beds and borders for intention coherency .
deal the riches – Give agave pups to gardening friend and kin to distribute the enjoyment .
Prevent overcrowding – Transplant pups to keep the female parent plant life healthy and forestall competition .
take in them rise – See your new American aloe mature over time since you start them too soon on .
Gain sureness – disseminate plants promote gardening noesis and skills .
With so many upside , transplant agave pups is a sweet project for any gardener .
What You’ll Need
Here ’s a checklist of must - have supplies :
Optional handy shaft include a tarp to keep sporty and spray bottle for watering in newly planted pups .
Step 1: Separate the Agave Pups
Don manus patrol and go up the mother plant . Clear any rubble from the base surface area where pups are emerge . Locate the plumpest puppy with the solid root shaping . diluent or pathological pups wo n’t transfer well .
Use your shovelful or trowel to dig wide around the nucleotide of the puppy to bulge out it out while make minimal damage to the female parent plant . Angle your digging tool inward and lever underneath the puppy .
clip any excess roots or the thicker unite root impound the pup to the main century plant . Pruning shear go well for a blank cut . Extract etiolate or elongated pups growing underneath the soil too .
Step 2: Transplant the Pups
Now your puppy is ready to be replanted . For best drainage , use a cactus or succulent potting mix . If constitute in the ground , dig a trap twice as broad as the pup and backfill with a mix of one - part cactus soil to one - part native soil .
Set the puppy ’s base high than the palisade soil stage . This prevent poll rot . Water in well to remove air pockets . Container flora should also drain well to avoid loaded roots .
Give fresh plant pups partial tone for a few week as they establish . Once roots take cargo deck , agaves stick out full sun like a champion .
Step 3: Water Newly Planted Agaves
Here ’s a tearing scout to get transplanted pup off to a goodish scratch :
In ground : Water sparingly the first yr . Once established , century plant may only call for rainwater reckon on your climate .
Containers : permit land to dry between waterings . Check weekly and water only when the potting mix is partially dried out .
Adjust frequency base on years , time of year , and environment . Mature agaves require less piddle than give puppy . Avoid frequent deep soaking since agaves detest smashed feet .
Special Care for Elongated Pups
You may find odd , elongated agave pup growing beneath the land . Do n’t discard these blanched pups lacking chlorophyl . They stretch searching for sunlight .
imbed them normally in well - draining soil , tolerate the top to sit around higher . Modern compact increment will emerge as the pup adjusts to sun . Just have solitaire as it acclimates .
Creative Uses for Agave Pups
Once your transplanted pups settle in , here are fun way to show them off :
Accent patio containers with contrast colors and textures .
Cluster several matching American aloe in a gravel garden for bold shock .
Combine agave motley for mixed succulent presentation .
countenance one make a program line as a standalone specimen .
Use as inhabit sculptures in minimalist , contemporary spaces .
Contrast black immature change against silver - blue rosettes .
imbed around boulders and stone groupings .
Troubleshooting Transplanting Issues
Handle century plant gently to quash breaking spines or damaging the central ontogenesis point .
Allow pups to dry and thickened over 3 - 5 days before planting to prevent rot .
Plant in gritty soil and avoid moisture retention for salubrious roots .
Do n’t immerse the crown of the agave or overwater to foreclose disease .
Shelter newly set pups until established to reduce transplant shock .
With right concern , your transplanted agave pup will prosper , giving years of striking , low-spirited - maintenance appeal . Keep an oculus out for their own baby in time .
FAQs About Agave Pup Transplanting
Here are answers to commonly require questions about moving agave pups :
How do you separate agave pups?
Use a shovel to dig around the base , loosen the pup . Prune any large connect root then extract carefully to not damage the mother plant .
How long does it take for an agave pup to root?
Left attached to the mother , puppy typically take 1 - 2 years to to the full root and be ready for transplant . sever the link root encourages quick stem growth .
When can agave pups be transplanted?
Transplant mature pups in spring as maturate season begins . piss well and give them shade for 1 - 2 hebdomad until established .
Do you need rooting hormone for agave pups?
No , rooting internal secretion is not necessary since agave pups already have an intact rootage system . Just take concern not to damage root when transplantation .
How do you plant an agave pup?
flora agave pups in fast - drain cactus / succulent mixing . Keep the jacket above dirt level to prevent rot . Water sparingly until roots grow , then thin lacrimation oftenness .
How do I make my transplanted agave grow faster?
Give it full sun , fantabulous drain , and occasional light feeding . Trim any deadened leave and debar overwatering . Be patient , as agaves are naturally dull agriculturalist .
Bring the Desert Home
Transplanting agave whelp allows you to expand your succulent collection economically . Get hands cheating propagating these sculptural plant for unique , waterwise landscape gardening . Whether used severally or grouped , their sheer forms create striking displays .
Budget landscaping + design repetition
Since agaves and other succulents are more expensive than many other plant , repotting your agave whelp is a great way to salve money on horticulture . you’re able to then use your free agave pups in your own landscaping .
Repetitionis a corelandscape design principalanyway . We generally do n’t want to have just one of a particular plant except where you ’re showcasing a large tree or specimen flora .
repeating creates ordering to the eye , which humanity recover by nature pleasing .
you could also give agave as gifts if you do n’t need any more of a certain flora . One yr , I give my coworkers at the landscape painting computer architecture business firm where I forge pups of my Agave americana var . medio - picta Alba in simple terra - cotta pots wrapped with a burlap bow along with Pete ’s Coffee cards .
The grayish - green and creamy white variegated stripe made for a nice , “ California green ” vacation pot . ( Many plants that are native to California or that do well in our soft , dry climate are gray - immature instead of gullible - green . )
SHOP THE LOOK ( Six of my favourite Agaves ! ) Queen Victoria Agave ( A. victoriae reginae ) , Etsy Agave Blue Glow , Etsy Agave Blue Flame , Etsy Artichoke Agave ( A. parryi var . truncata ) , Etsy Agave americana mediopicta Alba Agave salmiana Ferox , Etsy .
[ require more invention inspo and helpful flora tips ? Lets hang out on Instagram ! ]
I knew I want a prominent , specimenagavein front of my arched window , so I planned for one of my favorite – Agave salmiana ‘ Ferox ’ . Their large size and graceful , urn - shaped var. make them a stand - out in any landscape painting . Ferox is Latin for savage , and this agave lives up to its name .
So after searching around , the only place in the Bay Area that had one was atCactus Junglein Berkeley . It was actually Agave salmiana , minus the ‘ Ferox ’ . However , I realized it ’s in reality the type planted atCornerstone Gardensin Sonoma , which was my original inspiration . I was tell by Cactus Jungle that it has a broader folio than the Ferox cultivar , which I look at to be more desirable anyway .
STEP 2 – Transplant the pups into pots or plant in-ground
Now you ’re ready to transplant . To verify your agaves get enough air and drainage , use a cactus / succulent mix or add together a lot of pumice , lava stone , horticultural sand , or gravel to your usual soil .
I scooped up the extra soil from the container and re - used it in the pots . As a ecumenical rule , I would n’t evoke doing this because it could broadcast disease , but the pups came from that soil , so if it did contain disease - causing organism , they would already be contaminated .
Planting in - priming coat
My Agave salmiana mother industrial plant in my front garden . Source | Greenhouse Studio
Planting in a container
One of the Agave salmiana pups transplant into a pot with cacti - succulent mixture soil . germ | Greenhouse Studio
