The species of the Agave genus produce rosettes of spiky succulent leaves in single or variegated shades of green, white or cream. Most varieties grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, although they also thrive as indoor potted plants. Agaves produce small plant offsets, or pups, around the base of the main parent plant. These perfectly formed miniature plants eventually grow into full-size plants if they are cut away from the parent. Remove and transplant the pups in spring or summer when they are actively growing.
Insert a knife into the soil between the pup and the parent plant. Cut through the roots connecting the pup to the parent so at least 1/2 to 1 inch of the stem that connected the two remains intact on the plant. Lift the pup out of the soil.
Shake any excess soil gently from the roots. Trim off the damaged roots and cut back the remaining roots to a 1/4- to 1/2-inch length.
Fill a 1-gallon pot with a potting soil formulated for cactus plants, or mix equal parts standard potting soil and coarse sand. Water the soil until it's slightly moist but not waterlogged or soggy. Use a pot with drainage holes in the bottom.
Push the agave pup into the soil so the roots are buried and it's at the same depth it was growing previously. Set the pot in a warm, frost-free location where it receives bright but indirect all-day sun.
Water the agave pup when the soil dries almost completely, providing just enough moisture so the soil is slightly damp. The agave usually roots within four to six weeks. New growth indicates successful rooting.
Things You Will Need
- 1-gallon pot
- Cactus soil or potting soil and sand
- Disinfect the knife, pot and any other tools in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to prevent disease problems.
- Wear gloves when handling agave, because most varieties have spikes along their leaf margins.
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