Please identify. Is this some type of agave? Can it survive North Carolina winters outdoors? Thank you.
It does appear to be an agave. Most agave plants are hardy to zones 7b, so it should be fine over winter in your area, though you may want to give it some additional protection in severe weather conditions. Generally, however, many of the species are quite hardy, even to temps below 10 F. To err on the safe side, since you don't know the exact type, you may want to stick it in a container where you can move it to a more sheltered location over winter. - They are relatives of yucca, which I have in the garden here in NC and it takes our winters just fine.
Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/growing-agave.htm
Can I leave my agave plant outdoors in Philadelphia, PA climate?
I would say, if it's feasible for you, to bring your agave indoors for the winter to ensure its survival.
Is sisal a type of bulbil plant?
The plant reproduces itself by constantly sending up shoots from the roots, and by sending up a pole from the center. This pole bears thousands of small bulbs each of which will, when planted, grow into a Sisal plant.
After poling and bearing the young bulbs, then mother plant will die.
Two of my Agave are flowering. They are very large and about 20 years old, maybe older. The flower stalks are 90 cm high at the moment. I've just Googled for information and, to my horror, found out that the mother plant will die and the flowers can reach up to 40 ft! The Agave are in a prominent position in my back garden and I don't want to lose them. My question is: If I cut the flowers out now, can I save the plants? Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards Margo Haig
Unfortunately due to the genetics of the plant, it is all ready on it's way to dying.
The bloom represents years of the plants energy to reproduce and if you cut off the flower you are missing the incredible sight of blooming Agave.
Thank you for sharing this incredible image!
I'm thrilled to see it and I'm sure it is more stunning in person.
You have certainly help this plant live it's destiny.
You can save the seeds from you plant.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/yucca/yucca-seed-pods.htm
I saved a large agave from house remodeling. I have it in a large plastic pot, 10 gal. After a year it's looking stressed. The foliage is not the firm color as before and has lighter shades in the middle of each leaf. It gets strong light and little water. Does it need feeding or more water?
Make sure the plant is in full sun and that the soil is well draining.
You can apply a light, balanced slow release fertilizer in the spring, since your plant is confined to a pot. Use caution and do not over fertilize.
Though they generally don't need fertilizing as mature plants and over fertilizing can lead to the death of a plant.
http://ucanr.edu/sites/scmg/Plant_of_the_Month/Agave/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/growing-agave.htm
I have a very successful potted Agave attenuata with five pups on a horizontal section of the stem. Most of the roots are below the pups. Some years ago I cut the stem with two pups, one is thriving, as is the original. I'd like to separate at least two of the pups into another pot, but am concerned that if I cut the stem to do so, the original will struggle. The agave are located in full sun on a north-facing deck in sub-tropical Brisbane, with some shade from trees and tall bamboo at times. Should I let the pups be, or is there a safe way to transplant them? Thanks.
Thanks, LuvaLeigh. Last time I cut through the main root - I take it from your answer that I can just excise the pups from the stem, rather than cut it in two. What a relief! I bought a pup-pot yesterday, so will get to work.
Removing the pups will not damage your parent Agave. You can take 1 or all depending on your preference. The cut site will callus over just like the pups will. Be sure to use sterilized equipment. Once the pup is removed, place it on some newspaper to allow for it to callus over before transplanting.
Why are my Agave plant leaves being blistered by the sun if they require full sun? Agave plant was a gift in a pot. I now have it outdoors in full sun but want to plant it in the ground. All info I read says they require full sun but I don't want to see the leaves always blistered by the sun, so what do I do?
Your new plant may need a bit of protection from the hot sun as it adjusts. It may have been in a greenhouse and can need some adjustment to the outdoor conditions.
Try moving it to a more filtered bright light to make the transition.
Also if it is in a pot it will need watering more often.
Here is a link that will help refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/growing-agave.htm