Havard's agave Agave havardiana

Water

Harvard's agave should be watered sparingly, as it is highly drought tolerant. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant deeply approximately once every three weeks, providing it with about 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the dryness of the soil. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to once every four to six weeks, ensuring the soil is completely dry between waterings to prevent root rot.

Light

Harvard's agave thrives in full sun and should be situated in a spot that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. An outdoor location that offers bright, unfiltered sunlight is ideal for this plant. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window to ensure it receives ample light.

Temperature

Harvard's agave is hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit but grows best in climates where temperatures range between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand high summer temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for various arid environments.

Pruning

Harvard's agave does not require regular pruning, but occasional maintenance may be necessary to remove any damaged or dead leaves. Pruning should be done carefully, using clean, sharp tools to prevent injury to the plant. The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Harvard Agave prefers a well-drained soil mix, consisting of one part potting soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite or pumice. The ideal soil pH for Harvard Agave should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, between 6.0 and 7.5.

Repotting

Harvard Agave should be repotted infrequently, only when it has outgrown its current pot, which may occur every 3 to 5 years. These plants prefer to be pot-bound and do not need annual repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Harvard Agave thrives in low humidity conditions. It is well-suited to dry environments and does not require high humidity levels to grow successfully. That makes it ideal for arid and semi-arid climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use well-draining soil, place in bright light, minimal water.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from extreme cold.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Agave havardiana, commonly known as Harvard's agave or Havard agave, begins its life cycle as a seed germinating in well-drained, sandy soil, often in the rocky terrains of the Chihuahuan Desert. After germination, it enters a long juvenile period, during which it develops a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves designed to store water in its arid environment. The plant grows slowly, remaining in this vegetative state for many years—commonly up to several decades—until it reaches maturity. Upon maturity, it produces a tall, flowering stalk, which can grow several meters high and produces numerous yellow to pale-green flowers, attracting pollinators such as bats, bees, and birds. After this single massive flowering event, which may last a few months, the agave allocates all its energy to reproduction and then dies. The seeds disperse, often with the assistance of the wind or animals, completing the life cycle as they give rise to new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Agave havardiana, commonly known as Harvard agave, is best propagated by using offsets, also called "pups," that naturally grow around the base of the parent plant. These pups can usually be found emerging from the soil near the mother plant during the active growing season, typically in the spring or early summer. To propagate Harvard agave using a pup, it should be carefully removed from the mother plant with a clean, sharp instrument, ensuring a portion of the root is attached. The pup should then be allowed to dry for a few days to form a callous on the cut surface, which helps prevent rot. After callousing, the offset can be planted in a well-draining cactus or succulent mix, placed in bright, indirect light and watered sparingly until it establishes roots, which usually takes several weeks. This method is popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new, genetically identical plants.