Agave pelona, Agave zebra, and other troublesome species.

[Allen Repashy]

I thought I would try to get this forum kicked off by bringing up the topic of Agave species that seem to have 'special needs' I know from personal experience that these two species will tend to rot easier than most. They do great in the ground planted in D.G. but in pots they aren't so happy. I have heard that adding lime to the soil can help other than making sure it is a very fast draining mix. Anyone have a formula for supplementation that works for them. What species of Agave fall into this category?

Allen

[Tim Harvey]

I didn't know they were tricky ... now you've assured mine of certain death!

T

[Zeroscraper]

I accommodate more difficult species (for me it would be A. zebra, A. utahensis and A. deserti simplex) using a mix of almost all pumice... 80%+ pumice and then a little sand and bark. They need more fertilizer that way but it's how I've gotten them to not rot off.

[agavegreg]

I've switched from a mix of 60% pumice, 20% sand, 20% 0.25" minus compost to 60% sand, 20% pumice, 20% 0.25"minus compost and have added more lime to those particular species.

I found the pumice stayed quite wet and the sand dries out a little faster.

Greg

[Steve Steward]

DG holds in quite a bit of water, more than you might think. I've never had issues with the species Allen mentioned, but I grow some of those others (eg. deserti v. simplex) using volcanic cinder as the main 'inorganic' soil ingredient.

Pelona grows on cliff faces and steep hills, so I guess quick drainage is the key.

SS