Agave - home care for a houseplant. Useful and medicinal properties of the houseplant agave: use and contraindications
Each grower, in an effort to decorate the garden beautifully and in an original way, comes up with various ways to bring your idea to life.
Agave as a decorative garden decoration
Agave - a guest native to Mexico, Central and North America, will become a worthy decoration of the site and will always stand out against the background of other plantations. IN vivo found in the desert.
In the Crimea, the Caucasus, the countries of the Mediterranean, it is grown in open ground, in temperate latitudes - as a houseplant and a greenhouse plant. The plant harmoniously looks in bright large halls, halls, is used in the design of winter gardens, interiors.
Description
It occurs in several forms. The most popular is the American agave (Agave americana). The flower in diameter is more than 3 meters at a height of 1-2 meters. The stem is shortened. It is characterized by large fleshy leaves of gray color with a green or blue tint, collected 20-30 pieces in a rosette. Curved in an arc and tapering towards the top, ending with a spike. The upper side is flat, covered with a wax coating, the lower side is convex. IN natural environment the length of the sheet is 2.0-3.0 meters. When artificially grown in favorable conditions x - 1.0-1.5 meters, width - 25 cm. The edges are framed with prickly teeth.
Agave blossom. How often does it happen?
Inflorescence - apical panicle large sizes; in large specimens, it can reach a height of 10 meters with a plant diameter of 4-5 meters. It has 15-40 racemes with yellowish funnel-shaped flowers (up to several thousand), about 7 cm in diameter. According to legend, the American agave blooms once every 100 years. In fact, you can witness such a unique spectacle 15 years after planting the plant. When grown in the garden, flowering will occur in the 20-30th year of life. After flowering, the agave gradually dies, while forming offspring that are used for reproduction.
Agave americana is a long-lived flower. It can grow in one place for 50-100 years. In the botanical garden of St. Petersburg, a specimen is grown that survived the blockade of Leningrad.
Description of agave yellow-rimmed
One of the varieties of the American agave is the yellow-edged agave. In Mexico, it is grown in whole plantations. The plant has a strongly shortened stem, wide gray-green leaves, turning to the top into a sharp spike. Along the edges of the leaf plates are bordered with a light yellow stripe, giving the flower an attractive decorative look.
The plant is popular due to its colorful forms, but some of its representatives are too big for indoor floriculture. In the care of the American yellow-rimmed agave, it is unpretentious and easily adapts to the domestic climate.
How to care for a flower?
American agave, the description and care of which is of interest to domestic gardeners, loves an abundance of sun, warmth and dry soil during the growth period. During the dormant period, it needs a cool temperature. Therefore, if he wants to acquire such a unique copy of the house, he needs to create conditions that are close to natural.
The plant is very decorative and is a worthy decoration of flower beds and flower plantings. Agave american, home care for which is not particularly difficult, is thermophilic and adapted to grow in ordinary city apartments, and even the lack of cool air in winter period will not be harmful to her. It is important to wipe the leaves of dust so that the process of photosynthesis is not disturbed. In summer, the optimum temperature for agave is 20-25 ° C, in winter - 10-12 ° C. When indoor cultivation it is recommended to place the flower on sunny side premises. Even on the hottest afternoon, it does not need shading.
Watering and feeding
Despite the fact that in nature the flower loves dry soil, when grown at home, it is recommended to provide it with abundant watering. warm water during the summer season. With the onset of cold weather, reduce to twice a week or stop altogether. Experienced gardeners recommend that you make sure that water does not get into the flower outlet, otherwise it may begin to rot. IN summer days when watering, do not allow water to get on the leaves: burns may occur. Also in the summer it is recommended to take the plant to fresh air.
American agave, the cultivation and care of which does not take much time from the grower, has a positive attitude towards top dressing. It is recommended to use special fertilizers for succulents or complete mineral complex. The optimal period is spring. Two top dressings per month will be enough.
Transfer
Transplantation should be done as it grows: young plants - annually, adults - every 2-4 years or even less often. The soil can be prepared independently: from sand, turf and leaf ground taken in equal proportions. According to flower growers, this is the most optimal composition for agave. Or opt for a store product: this is the land for succulents, dracaena, yucca. Planting containers should be small, drainage is required. When planting, the neck of the plant should not be buried, it should rise slightly above the soil level. When grown in open ground, sand can be poured around the root collar to avoid rotting in the cold season.
reproduction
There are several ways to propagate American agave:
- root with a leaf (handle);
- layering;
- sow seeds.
The most popular among flower growers are the first two. The stalk is obtained by cutting the leaf, the layering is obtained by separating from the mother plant. Prepared planting material dry within 1-2 hours. Then planted in sand or prepared soil. Watering is done infrequently, moderately. As a rule, young plants take root fairly quickly.
According to flower growers, the seed method of reproduction is more laborious and lengthy. Planting material can be purchased at a specialized store. Seeds need to be buried in the ground by 0.5-1.0 cm or left on the surface and slightly pressed down. Then the earth should be moistened with a spray bottle. landing capacity cover with glass or polyethylene. In a week, the first shoots will appear. Strengthened young plants can be planted in separate containers. Water and fertilize regularly. The most suitable month for planting is February.
Areas of application of the American agave
The decorative appearance of the agave is appreciated by many flower growers. But such a plant has a large economic importance. It is a source of fibers from which ropes, coarse cloth, fishing nets, and also thin paper resembling papyrus are made.
From the juice by evaporation, molasses is obtained, by fermentation - pulque ( alcoholic drink). In folk medicine, it is used as a remedy for insect and snake bites.
Agave juice is considered a laxative and diuretic, good for bruises and bruises. The root is used against venereal diseases. Plant-based preparations are characterized by analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic properties. The leaves are used to prepare medicinal decoctions that help with jaundice, neuralgic manifestations, sciatica, cervical osteochondrosis. Used both internally and externally.
Plant juice helps against lumbago. The leaf is divided into 2 parts, the spines are cut off. The extracted juice is rubbed on the lower back. This should be done carefully to avoid irritation. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a day.
In the matter of using agave for improving health, you should definitely consult with your doctor. Self-medication is life-threatening.
Diseases
Agave can be affected by root and stem rot, which are formed when soil moisture is high and low temperatures. Excess watering negatively affects the root system; the roots become pale, soft, drooping. Agave, like a succulent plant, is easier to tolerate a lack of moisture than its excess.
Pests
The soap solution also helps in the fight against aphids - small, inactive insects that feed on agave juice. You can determine that a flower is affected by this pest by wrinkled leaves, fallen buds and flowers.
Against thrips - tiny black insects, you can fight with warm water, you need to wipe the leaves of the plant daily. Also, as they say experienced growers, "Karbofos" is effective. Spraying should be started at the first sign of infection.
According to flower growers, the most dangerous pest is the spider mite. The diseased plant is covered with a thin cobweb, the leaves become marbled, turn yellow and fall off. In this case, the agave should be treated with an insecticidal agent. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to regularly ventilate the room and periodically inspect the plant for pests.
Agave - a spectacular perennial of the asparagus family, decorated with a spherical rosette of leaves, has many fans among gardeners. The secret of its popularity lies in decorative properties and carelessness. What to consider when growing agave at home and how to properly propagate the plant?
Agave in nature
Agave is a type of succulent that grows in dry areas. In nature, it most often grows in the southern part of Europe, Asia, Mexico, as well as on the hottest mainland - Africa.
The plant has powerful roots and large fleshy leaves collected in a rosette. The edges of the leaves are framed with small but tenacious spines. Agave is not one of those who pleases with abundant flowering every season. For the first time it blooms at the age of 8-10 years. To do this, the plant throws out a long peduncle, reaching a height of 3-6 meters, the tops of which are decorated with paniculate inflorescences. Fancy yellow flowers brown shade not all bloom at the same time. Full cycle lasts several months.
The fruits formed in their place are outwardly similar to oblong pink boxes collected in clusters. Inside each box are hidden dark flat seeds.
The plant has long been valued by people for its medicinal properties. Agave juice is effective for skin lesions, including burns, frostbite, and the formation of boils. It helps with pulmonary diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and inflammation of the genitourinary system. Juice quickly removes the temperature, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. But since it often exhibits allergenic properties, it is worth taking agave-based products only after consulting a doctor.
Today, over 300 species of this succulent are known, differing in shape and size. The color palette of the leaves is quite wide, starting with a bluish-gray and ending with a light green solid plan or with patterns in the form of stripes. yellow shade. Any of them are perfect for decorating adjoining territories, because they can grow in one place for several decades. The size of bizarre bushes can reach 3-4 meters.
For growing at home, agaves are most often chosen. dwarf varieties such as: American, drawn or Queen Victoria. Depending on the variety, the height of adult spherical plants rarely exceeds 0.5-1.0 meters.
The subtleties of growing in open ground
Agave is one of those plants that calmly endures climatic conditions. middle lane Russia. She feels most comfortable at temperatures in the range from +20 to +28 ° С.
Succulents love space and fresh air. Therefore, if it is not possible to grow it in open ground, you should at least take the container out to the veranda for the summer or plant the bush in the garden.
Growing agave at home, it should be borne in mind that it is vulnerable to lower temperatures. Under the influence of frost, it is capable of completely dying. Therefore, waiting for the temperature to drop below + 10 ° C, it is better to bring the plant into the house for reinsurance.
How to care for agave at home
Agave care is not particularly difficult. After buying a succulent, it is advisable to transplant, trying not to injure the roots and leaves. For this purpose, it is better to use soil.
Tip: if the agave blooms, it is better to wait with the transplant until the cycle is completed. If the deadlines are running out, cut the flower, because the plant spends enormous amounts of energy on maintaining it.
When transplanting, it is important not to deepen the plant too much so that the neck continues to rise above the soil. To fix the outlet, it is better to overlay it with stones. At the same time, the earth around the neck should not be compacted in order to provide oxygen access to the roots.
After transplanting, do not touch or move the plant for several days. Give him time to get used to the new ground, pot and place.
Lighting
When planning to place the agave on the windowsill, choose windows that face the north side. Most varieties of agave are not particularly demanding on light, so there is no need to equip additional lighting. The only exception is the winter period, when portions of light are reduced significantly. Therefore, when placing a plant on the north side, you should take care of the illumination with photo lamps.
Brighter lighting preferred american agave. It is best placed on the southern and southeastern window sills.
In the cold season, the plant slows down growth, and therefore becomes even less demanding on the conditions of detention.
Temperature
Agave is by nature a heat-loving plant. Therefore, in the room where it will be constantly located, the temperature should not fall below the mark of + 18 ° C. The plant will only feel comfortable in a well-heated house or apartment.
If the battery is very hot, provide fresh air to bring the temperature down a bit.
Humidity level
Agave is drought tolerant. Therefore, there is no need to place bowls filled with water next to the container, and even more so to spray the leaves.
If the sockets become covered with dust, it is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth or rinse them by organizing a warm shower for the succulent.
Important point: after water procedures don't forget to dry the outlets. Otherwise, stagnant water will cause the leaves and roots to rot.
It is enough to water the plant once every 5-7 days. In the winter months, the intervals between waterings can be maintained up to 20-25 days. The need for watering should be determined by the degree of drying of the top layer.
Water should be poured under the very roots in order to minimize the contact of the leaves with the liquid.
top dressing
Although the agave is not whimsical to care for, it still needs to be fed. It is enough to apply fertilizers once a month. Perfect for this purpose complex fertilizers designed for cacti and succulents. They contain minimal concentrations of nitrogen, a substance that provokes the development of rot on large fleshy leaves.
Too frequent feeding is also harmful. An excess of nutrients has a detrimental effect on the condition of the flower.
The basics of proper reproduction
There are two ways to propagate agave at home: by sowing seeds and seating children. The first method is more labor intensive. It involves sowing planting material at the end of winter or early spring on a wet substrate. But you should be prepared for the fact that plants grown from seeds gain weight very slowly and a beautiful full-fledged rosette will not be given soon.
For propagation of agave by children, the planting material is first separated from the main one with a sharp knife. The baby is dried for a day so that a transparent crust forms on the cut, and only after that they are planted in a new pot, after powdering wood ash. As a container for succulents, a ceramic pot with wide, low sides is best suited.
Given the botanical homeland of the agave, young bushes can be safely planted in loose and even stony soil. Ideal for these purposes sod land mixed in equal proportions with coarse sand.
To ensure the outflow of excess moisture, line the bottom of the landing container with a 2-centimeter layer of fine gravel or expanded clay. To enhance the drainage properties of the substrate itself, large brick chips can be added to it.
Spray or cover young plant not needed to create the greenhouse effect. During the rooting stage, it should be watered every 3-5 days. Under favorable conditions, the roots form quite quickly. When the plant gets stronger, the amount of watering can be reduced.
Diseases and pests of succulents
Despite the whimsical care, agave is very vulnerable to different kind pests. Its main enemies are thrips or thyroid glands. If single specimens are found, the scourge can be dealt with by mechanical removal. To do this, soak a cotton pad in vodka or alcohol and remove from the leaves. Good result gives a rub sheet plates beer solution. To fix the effect, wipe the treated leaves aqueous solution with addition laundry soap and garlic.
In case of massive damage by thrips, complex treatment with the use of drugs such as Intavir, Karbofos or Actellik helps to solve the problem.
At proper care and maintaining optimal conditions, the agave will delight decorative appearance for more than one year, bringing spectacular exotic notes to the interior.
Agaava (lat. Agave) - large succulent plant, whose name comes from the name ancient greek goddess and in translation means "noble".
Here we will take a closer look at what agave is, home care for this culture is simple and even beginners in flower business can do it. The plant has such qualities as unpretentiousness, endurance, original decorative appearance, for which florists and flower growers love it very much.
Agave, basic information
Agave belongs to the genus Asparagaceae, subfamily Agave (Agavoideae). There are about 700 species in the genus, most of which are stemless.
The semi-desert regions of Mexico and South America are considered to be the birthplace of succulents. But the "noble" beauty from the desert has a fairly large habitat. You can meet agave in many regions with a warm climate - in the South and Central Asia, Africa, even in some regions of Russia.
Agave can grow not only on the plains, but also on the rocks, and is found at an altitude of 2500-3000 m. The shape, growth and appearance of the plant bushes are very diverse. There are dwarf species of agave, reaching only 3-5 cm in height, there are simply huge ones that grow up to 5 m in height.
Succulents can have long xiphoid leaves, oval, with or without spines. The color of the leaves is also very diverse and varies from juicy green to blue.
Agave lives for a long time - up to 40 years. Some species live up to 100 years. IN natural conditions the plant blooms only once in its life, shortly before its extinction. In a home environment, it is almost impossible to see the amazing flowering of this plant.
The succulent produces a thick peduncle from the core of the rosette, 3 times longer than its height. At the top of the peduncle, paniculate or spike-shaped inflorescences gather. Numerous flowers have a yellow-greenish color.
Adnexal bulbinella buds also appear on the peduncle, from which young shoots with roots are formed. After a while, they fall to the ground and germinate - this is how new specimens of the agave appear, and the faded bush soon dies.
Although there are a lot of varieties of agaves, home growing only a few have been adapted. Basically, these are undersized sockets that can be placed on window sills. in large office lobbies, shopping malls and other establishments sometimes there are large specimens of agaves. In regions with warm winters you can grow succulents open areas.
Agave, varieties of succulents
Consider the cultivated species of agave, which are common in our country as house plants.
- Agave Queen Victoria (Agava victoriae-reginae). The variety came from the desert prairies of Mexico. This is a low-growing bush, reaching about 15-17 cm in height. The rosette consists of wide leaves pointed at the tips. In diameter, the bush grows up to 50-60 cm. The color of dense fleshy leaves is dark green with vertical yellow or white lines along the edges. Sometimes the leaves take on a trihedral shape. An adult socket is like a ball.
- Agave blue (Agava azul). Dense, rigid xiphoid leaves have a bluish tint. In height, the bushes can reach about 1.5 m. It is this species that is grown in industrial scale in Mexico for the production of tequila. In the wild, the blue agave does not live long - 5-6 years. Cultivated species live longer.
- American agave (Agava americana). The spherical rosette consists of wide hard leaves, with spikes along the edges and a point at the top. The color of the leaves is bluish-blue, and the thorns can be yellow or brown. The bushes reach a height of 1-1.5 m. When flowering, the succulent throws out a peduncle up to 8-9 m long.
- Agave whitish (Agava albicans). This is a small bush (about 40 cm) with wide, pointed, smooth leaves covered with a bluish bloom.
- Agave thread-bearing (Agavafilifera). Succulent in the form of a low-growing rosette, consisting of long hard leaf blades of rich green color. It differs from other species by white dry thread-like fibers located at the edges of the leaves along their entire length.
- Terrifying Agave (Agava horrida)). The socket is small - 20-30 cm in height . The leaves of the green tint are serrated along the edges and resemble a saw in their appearance - for which the plant received such a symbolic name.
- Agave toumeyana (Agava toumeyana)). The species has a lanceolate leaf shape, with oval tops. The average height of the outlet is 60-70 cm. The color of the bush is bluish-green. There are white stripes along the edges of the leaves.
- Agave Funkiana (Agava Funkiana)). The leaves of the spherical rosette are dense , medium width, with serrated edges. The color is light green. Plant height - 30-40 cm.
Agave care rules are not particularly difficult. Like all succulents, the plant is unpretentious and able to survive some difficulties. But still starting this exotic flower, favorable conditions should be provided for it for rapid development and a beautiful decorative appearance.
Place and lighting for placing agave
Agave is very photophilous. Especially a lot of lighting she needs in the first years of life. The plant tolerates sunlight well. Flower pots can be placed on the southern windows. If the summer in the region is hot, then at noon it is advisable to shade the plant. From scorching sun pouring young outlets may suffer.
In the shade, the bush will develop very poorly and its leaves are likely to be pale. In winter, it is recommended to create for sockets additional lighting so that the daylight hours for the succulent are at least 10 hours.
Temperature
The guest of the desert prairies cannot stand the cold. Optimum temperature for growing agave in summer - + 22-30ºC. The flower will easily withstand hotter climates with regular watering.
In winter, you can reduce the temperature of the content to + 15-18ºC. In summer, it is useful to take flowerpots outside and place them in illuminated areas. But keep in mind that agave does not like drafts. The critical temperature for sockets is + 8-10ºC. The roots begin to freeze and may die.
Humidity
The succulent is insensitive to air humidity. Growing agave at home, you can not worry about this indicator - the usual microclimate of a residential apartment is quite suitable for the life and development of a flower.
Do not place pots near heating appliances, excessive dryness of the air is not good for succulents. In summer, even in the most hot weather, you do not need to spray sockets.
On a note! Many medicinal products are produced from agave juice, they are also used in Food Industry. But for this, only certain types of plants are used. Among the varieties there are also poisonous specimens, so you should not experiment with juice on your own.
Watering
Agave should be watered sparingly. In the warm season, the substrate is moistened when upper layer dry about 80%. From autumn to spring, watering is reduced and the soil is irrigated only when its top layer dries out completely.
Do not allow stagnation of water in the pot and pan. Waterlogging of the substrate is detrimental to the flower.
top dressing
You can and even need to feed the agave. Fertilizers should be chosen complex mineral for succulents and cacti.
Top dressing begins to be applied to the soil in the spring, with a frequency of 2 times a month. At the end of summer, the fertilizer is reduced to 1 time per month, and closer to winter it is completely excluded.
Transplantation, soil selection
Agave grows quickly and until it reaches maximum growth, it is advisable to transplant it every year. Rosettes are actively developing in width, so the pots should be selected not very high, but wide.
When the bush is 5 years old, you can transplant it 1 time in 3-4 years.
The soil of the "exotic guest" needs a neutral, light, with good drainage properties.
The store sells ready-made soil mixtures for cacti and succulents, they are ideal for agave.
If you prepare the soil yourself, you need to mix the following components in equal parts:
- Soddy land.
- The earth is leafy.
- Sand.
Drainage material must be laid at the bottom of the flowerpot: expanded clay, brick chips, polystyrene foam, crushed stone, or just small pebbles. It is recommended to add a little to the substrate charcoal. The transplant is done in the spring.
Agave at home practically does not bloom. It will be extremely difficult to get seeds from it. Seed seedlings sold in stores have a very low germination rate.
The easiest way to propagate agave is by cutting yourself. A leaf is separated from the outlet, the cut is treated with charcoal or activated charcoal, and allowed to dry a little (1 day). Then the cutting is deepened into a nutrient mixture of sand and peat. After about a month, the shoot should take root, after which it can be transplanted into ordinary soil.
If the outlet has grown well in breadth, it is possible to separate a part from it together with the rhizome for reproduction and immediately transplant it into a complete soil mixture.
Diseases, pests of agave
Agave has very dense leaves, so insects that feed on plant sap almost do not infect it. Mealybugs can start in the soil, they live in the roots and feed on their juice.
With high humidity and excessive watering, the outlet may start fungal infection(black or gray rot). IN flower shops drugs for any pests and fungal diseases are sold. It is necessary to process the plant as soon as possible in order to save it.
With improper care, the succulent also shows painful symptoms:
- The leaves wrinkle, become lethargic - most likely, an excess of moisture.
- The tips of the leaves have begun to turn yellow - perhaps too much calcium is getting into the soil or the air is too dry.
- The leaves dry out, lose their fleshiness - there is little moisture, watering should be increased.
- appeared on the leaves brown spots- it looks like the bush is getting more sun than it needs.
- The socket grows very slowly - lack of lighting.
Now you are more familiar with the agave plant, home care for which will not scare away even beginners in floriculture. The culture is not for everyone, and is unlikely to suit those who like lush flowering houseplants. But for those who appreciate the peculiar beauty and grace of succulents, the agave will be a great green friend.
Various types of agave are very popular as houseplant due to the decorative appearance and unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention. The American agave is no exception, the care of which at home is based on providing a “desert” climate with maximum illumination and appropriate temperature conditions.
This living room decoration came to us from the arid mountains of Mexico. The American agave flower is found in the harsh continental climate of North America, Asia, and the countries of Southern Europe. To date, more than 300 species of this succulent are known, which differ in size and color (from bluish-grayish to light green, plain or with yellow stripes).
American agave flower is found in the harsh continental climate of North America, Asia, countries of Southern Europe
In structure, it is a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves collected on a very short or undeveloped stem. Some species are endowed with sharp, slightly curved spines or denticles located along the edges of the leaf. As for size, in nature this perennial can even reach five meters in height, and mature plant dwarf species does not exceed 3 centimeters. The life cycle of the agave is long, it grows slowly, and it produces flower stalks only once, less often twice in twenty years. Usually, after flowering, the mother bush dies, continuing its life in layering.
American agave prefers south or southeast window sills
The success of growing any plant at home lies in the ability to create the necessary conditions, which should be as close to natural as possible. Only when your flower feels "at home" will it develop beautifully and delight you with a healthy appearance. Therefore, we will figure out how to care for agave.
- illumination
For cacti and succulents, direct sunlight is vital. The American agave prefers south or southeast window sills with intense, bright lighting. Even in hot summer scorching rays The sun cannot harm this desert flower and unlike other houseplants, it does not need protective shading at this time.
On the contrary, in partial shade or on the northern windows, succulents gradually wither away, which is not immediately noticeable. If the plant arrived in such conditions, you should not immediately expose it to the sun - it gradually accustoms it to the light.
American agave, as well as other houseplants, does not tolerate short winter daylight hours, so in summer it is planted in open ground or for the whole warm season they take it out to the balcony.
- Priming
Remembering the botanical homeland of the agave with poor sandy-stony soils, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate soil mixture at home. The ratio of sod, leafy soil and coarse sand will be optimal. Florists also recommend adding large brick chips, which will enhance the drainage property of the substrate.
Wide ceramic pots with holes in the bottom and a 2-3 cm layer of drainage - small pebbles, gravel - are chosen as a container for succulents. When transplanting, it is important not to deepen the root neck, but to leave it above the soil surface. The earth around is not compacted with fingers, so as not to limit the access of oxygen to the roots, and the outlet is fixed by laying stones around it. After planting, the remaining surface is covered with sand, fine gravel, shells or vermiculite. This cover protects root system from possible temperature drops due to its low thermal conductivity.
- Temperature regime
Due to its nature, the American agave loves the heat, so it feels good in rooms where the temperature does not fall below 18 ⁰С, but it is considered optimal in the range of 22-28⁰С and even higher. A decrease to 10⁰С can be disastrous, so in winter at home, plants need to be protected from the influx of cold air from window glass.
- Humidity
Like other desert plant, agave needs very moderate watering. Starting from spring and until the end of the growing season, it is enough to water 1-2 times in ten days, waiting for the topsoil to dry. Starting from mid-autumn and winter, watering is gradually reduced to once a month.
The advantage of succulents over other indoor plants is that they perfectly tolerate the dry air of city apartments or offices. Spraying the agave is not only unnecessary, but can cause rot if water gets into the center of the rosette.
- fertilizers
The American agave is transplanted no more than once every three to four years, and given its slow development, it has enough nutrients in the soil for this period. For mineral supplement use special concentrates designed for cacti and succulents, which usually do not contain organic matter and nitrogen. Fertilizers are applied when watering 1-2 times a month only in spring and summer.
- Diseases and pests
The plant is rarely affected by diseases and their causes, as a rule, are improper care or poor conditions. And of the pests, agave is more often affected by scale insects or thrips. On the initial stages infections effective method the fight will be rubbing the leaves with an alcohol or beer solution. If necessary, it is recommended to use chemicals.
Video about cultivation and care
Reproduction methods
Agave propagates in two ways - seeds and shoots. The first option is quite laborious and long-term developing seedlings will not soon give a full-fledged beautiful rosette. At home, it is much more practical and faster to get a young plant from a near-stem offspring. To do this, the shoot is carefully separated from the plant, left in the air for 3-4 hours, so that a transparent crust forms on the wound. Next, the cut point is powdered with wood ash and fixed with pebbles on a slightly damp sandy substrate. Under favorable conditions, the roots appear quite quickly, after which the sockets are transplanted into pots.
Indoor agave, with its decorative appearance, brings exotic notes to the interior both as a single plant and in flower arrangements.
Agave is more popular among lovers of strong drinks. Mexican tequila is made from this plant. But also in indoor floriculture flower can be found quite often. It can become a decoration of any interior. Among the species of this plant there are specimens of various sizes, with blue or gray leaves, with stripes and dots.
Botanical description
Agave is a perennial evergreen from the asparagus family. It does not have stems, and the leaves are collected in a rosette growing from the root. The leaves are bluish, green or gray in color.
During flowering, the agave is very beautiful, and this phenomenon is quite rare. The peduncle can reach a height of ten meters and is decorated with numerous funnel-shaped yellow flowers.
Agave blooms once every 10-15 years, and when grown in the garden even less often - once every 20-30 years. After she fades, she dies, and offspring remain in her place.
For growing at home and in greenhouses or winter gardens much smaller varieties are used. In addition to its decorative value, agave is valued for its medicinal properties.
Types of agave for indoor growing
Not all agaves can be grown indoors. Some grow to such gigantic sizes that such a plant will not fit in more than one apartment. Therefore, varieties specially designed for growing at home were bred and cultivated.
- Great as a houseplant. The rosette reaches a diameter of 60 cm, and the size of the leaves is about 10-15 cm long and 5-7 cm wide.
Agave potatorum is a miniature specimen. The size of the rosette is only 20-25 cm in diameter, and the length of the leaves reaches 30 cm. The color of the leaf is gray-green, there is one spine at the end.
These two varieties are the most suitable for indoor maintenance, and are also very beautiful.
Agave Properties
The homeland of the agave is South America, and it was brought to Europe at the end of the 16th century. This plant quickly became popular and common for ornamental cultivation. ABOUT healing properties the plants learned by chance when stories from the natives began to reach that agave was used as a medicinal plant.
Despite the rather long history of the use of agave as a remedy, its chemical composition is still poorly understood. It is known that it contains vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber and macro-microelements.
This plant is used for different areas. The plant is widely used in cooking, folk medicine and the production of alcohol.
Use in cooking
The juice of the plant is used to make syrup, which is several times sweeter than sugar. Desserts are prepared from syrup, added instead of sugar to pastries or consumed with pancakes and pancakes.
Use to improve the functioning of the digestive system
The healing properties of agave are to improve bowel function. Agave has a good laxative effect. For constipation, the plant is crushed and poured with boiling water. Boil about on low heat, insist for an hour and filter.
With conjunctivitis, an infusion of a plant with honey is used.
The infusion is made at high temperature so that caustic substances that can irritate the eyes can escape.
Application in diets
Agave is used to combat excess weight.
Wound healing agent
The sap of the plant is used to treat wounds, scratches and ulcers. It effectively heals, disinfects damaged skin. To do this, take a freshly cut leaf of the agave, cut it and apply the cut place to the wound. The sheet must be fixed on the wound, and changed to a fresh one after drying.
For the treatment of diseases associated with the liver
Agave leaves are used. They are cut, washed and divided into strips. The strips are dried in a dark place, and then ground into powder using a coffee grinder. Powder of 0.5 grams is consumed with water.
pain reliever
Agave is used to treat and relieve pain in radiculitis, inflammation of the sciatic nerve and rheumatism. An ointment is made from the plant, which has medicinal properties. It consists of the pulp of the plant, honey and vegetable oil.
The ointment is placed on a gauze napkin and applied to a sore spot. The compress must be attached with a bandage. The bandage is left for 30 minutes, then everything is removed and the remnants of the ointment are removed from the skin with a damp cloth.
For gout and osteochondrosis, use a tincture of leaves on alcohol
Apply a few drops before meals.
Natural contraceptive
Thanks to the substances anordin and dinordin, which are part of the composition, the ability of a woman to become pregnant is reduced.
In addition, the houseplant agave is used as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and analgesic. For sore throats, the juice of the plant will help destroy bacteria. Nectar collected from the flowers of the plant has useful properties.
The taste qualities of nectar are similar to honey, but the nectar has a more liquid consistency. It can be used as a sugar substitute, it is low in calories and therefore does not harm the figure.
Contraindications
Although the leaves and juice have medicinal properties and are used for many diseases and health problems, their use is not possible for all people. There are a number of contraindications.
- The use of the flower and any means based on it is contraindicated for people with any form of hepatitis and gallbladder disease.
- People with a predisposition to allergies should not use agave products.
- Agave is contraindicated for people with hormonal disorders and women during pregnancy.
In any case, the use of the plant and its products should be agreed with the doctor, as there may be individual intolerance to the components of this plant. The benefits of agave products can be a good adjunctive therapy, but should be used with the permission of a physician and in conjunction with medical treatment.
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