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elbows154

sick agave parryi

10 years ago

My agave is turning yellow and the leaf cluster seems not as tight as it was. I was away for several months and I believe it was neglected, then overwatered from above as I see splashing on the leaves. What can I do?

Comments (9)

  • 10 years ago

    Picture?

  • 10 years ago

  • 10 years ago

    I thought I had posted, but here are two. I hope they are sufficient. It seems to me that every couple of days it is more yellow.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    It doesn't look like too much water to me. It actually looks like too little. Maybe it was left for several months with little or no water in the heat of summer. Check the firmness of the central cone by grabbing it and torquing it from side to side. It should be firmly attached to the whole plant. Is there any moisture in the soil under that gravel? Commenting on this is difficult with no information on climate, recent weather, location or setting.

  • 10 years ago

    Thank you. I just went out and checked the soil, it was dry. I was unable to torque the central cone at all, it is very solid. I live in an 8b climate zone, the west side of the Sierra mountains at 3300' elevation. Our summers have many 100 plus degree days and winters as low as mid 20's normally. The location receives full sun. It has been planted there for about 6 years. I think your comments are likely right. How often would you water and is there any supplement I can use to help it heal?

  • 10 years ago

    If the soil is dry, I would try giving it a good soaking now. Maybe several small applications of water so that it thoroughly soaks down into the root zone. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Parryis can take soil that is consistently slightly moist but not wet or soggy. My 3 Parryis thrive in warm weather with soil that is always, and I mean always, a bit moist. This soil is fast draining and silty.

  • 10 years ago

    Thanks so much, I appreciate your advise. I wouldn't have thought they could handle the moist soil, good to know. Our soil is mostly decomposed granite, but this raised area was thoroughly amended, and drains quickly. I hope it's not too late.

  • 10 years ago

    That looks like sunburn or sun scorch. Have you had a recent heat wave? It's getting reflected heat from the gravel, which is nice in winter but increases heat in summer. It's not fatal. Some temporary shade wouldn't hurt.

  • 10 years ago

    We have had a heat wave. We almost always have at least one major one each summer, and have mostly high 90's to low 100's. It has always survived those in the same location. I think it wasn't watered well in my long absence, and likely got sunburned too. I never would have thought of that, so I'll set up a shade cloth. Thank you for your help.