Why does agave have yellow spots and cracked leaves

Question

I planted Agave Baccarat and Agave Blue Flame last April. The baccarat started having yellow spots in May. Now my Blue Flame have slits in leaves as well as brown marks on a few bottom leaves. Any suggestions will be helpful. I water once a week and they get morning sun and some afternoon. I have landscaping paper down with white rock on top. The only thing I can find online is edema. I’d love to know your thoughts!

Answer 1

This appears to be bacterial leaf spot. Is this paper porous? I am inclined to believe that it will be causing the soil to hold too much moisture. This can cause infections such as this. It will be best to be able to feel down into the soil several inches to ensure that it is completely dry before watering again. These are very drought tolerant, and will succumb to rotting fairly easily.

I would advise adding a little wettable sulfur and dolomitic lime to control the issue and correct the pH back after it kills the infection.

I would also advise removing the paper, at least out to a few feet from this plant, to allow it to dry thoroughly between watering.

This article will give you more information on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/growing-agave.htm