What Is Wrong With My Agave Plant?

Question

Hello there. I wanted to see what is wrong with my big agave plant? We have had this plant since November 2017. We started to see the leaves wilt, then grow these spots, and have some scraped parts. And then we noticed a little bit of sap on one of the leaves. Not a lot. Just a speck or two on one leaf (sort of a brownish color). We were looking online for answers… and so we treated the agave plant with a broad spectrum insecticide to possibly treat weevils and then we also applied a fungicide (copper fungicide). Please let us know what else we could do to help the agave out. Your help/expertise in this matter will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer 1

You have done the proper things in response to insects or fungal problems. However, I would also evaluate its cultural conditions such as watering, sun and soil. They need well drained soil, and light to moderate watering, depending on the weather. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. I notice yours is planted near what looks like sidewalk and street, and my research shows the sun reflection may be too much for your agave. Also, if you've experienced, cool, wet weather you could be fighting a fungal infection. Usually a healthy agave can withstand attacks from insects, but if it is stressed, it is more susceptible to the insect damage, which can lead to fungal attacks. While fungicides can prevent fungal problems, once the lesions develop, it can be hard to control. I would remove the worst looking leaves to hopefully prevent any more spreading.

Also, contact your local Cooperative Extension service who will probably know exactly what is happening to your agave. Here is more information that may help:

https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1399.pdf

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/growing-agave.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/anthracnose-on-agave-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/agave-crown-rot.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/treat-agave-root-rot.htm