Agave shawii (Coastal Agave)

Agave shawii, also known as Coastal Agave or Shaw’s Agave, is a stunning monocarpic succulent native to the coastal regions of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. Let’s dive into its care and propagation.

How to Care for Agave shawii

Light Requirements

Agave shawii thrives in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window or provide artificial lighting.

Soil & Drainage

Well-draining soil is crucial for Agave shawii’s health. Use a mix of 50% succulent soil and 50% perlite or pumice. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Watering Agave shawii

Water your Coastal Agave deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During summer, water every 2-3 weeks. Reduce the frequency to once a month in winter.

Temperature & Humidity

Coastal Agave can tolerate temperatures between 25°F and 90°F. Protect it from frost by bringing it indoors or covering it with frost cloth. This succulent is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require additional humidity.

Summary

Agave shawii requires full sun, well-draining soil, infrequent watering, and tolerates 25-90°F temperatures. Protect from frost; no additional humidity needed.

How to Propagate Agave shawii

Offsets (Pups)

Agave shawii produces offsets, or pups, around its base. To propagate, follow these steps:

1. Allow the pup to develop a few leaves and reach about 4 inches in height.
2. Using a clean, sharp knife, carefully separate the pup from the mother plant, ensuring it has some roots.
3. Let the pup dry in a shaded area for a few days to allow the cut to callous.
4. Plant the pup in a well-draining soil mix and place it in a bright, indirect light location.
5. Water sparingly until roots establish, gradually increasing light exposure.

Seeds

Propagate Agave shawii from seeds by following these steps:

1. Fill a well-draining seed tray with a mix of 75% succulent soil and 25% perlite.
2. Sow seeds on the soil surface, spacing them evenly.
3. Lightly cover the seeds with a layer of soil mix.
4. Mist the soil to keep it consistently moist until germination occurs, usually within 2-4 weeks.
5. Gradually acclimate seedlings to direct sunlight as they grow.

Summary

Propagate Agave shawii via offsets or seeds. For offsets, separate pups, let callous, plant, and water sparingly. For seeds, sow in a well-draining mix, mist soil, and acclimate seedlings to sunlight.

Fertilizing Your Agave shawii

Fertilize your Agave shawii sparingly, as over-fertilizing can cause leggy growth and weak leaves. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength once during the growing season, usually in spring or early summer.

Common Pests and Diseases

Coastal Agave is relatively pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for agave snout weevils, aphids, and mealybugs. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. To prevent fungal diseases such as root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.

Summary

Fertilize Agave shawii sparingly with half-strength water-soluble fertilizer. Monitor for pests; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prevent root rot with proper drainage.

Where to Buy

You can buy Shaw’s Agave at Etsy