The best way to Propagate an Octopus Agave

The best way to Propagate an Octopus Agave

Octopus agave (Agave vilmoriniana) blooms just once, in the conclusion of its 10- to 15-yr existence. Its 4-foot- rosette of arching, light green leaves, nevertheless, has considerable architectural curiosity. The sleek, tentacle-like foliage is an eye catching foil for shrubs that are structured. Octopus agave flourishes in coastal and partly shaded in land gardens in the Climate Zones of Sunset 14 through 17. This succulent is significantly threatened by only weevils. In its last spring, octopus agave shines with a 15- to 20- foot spike of hundreds of glowing- blooms. Each one bears bulbil, or a small plant-let. They’re the plant’s sole means of propagation.

Collect bulbils in the spring, following the bloom of the agave has faded. Each one emerges from a bud in the bottom of a flower that is dying. For the greatest possibility of effective propagation, wait until at least four leaves have been shaped by the little crops before harvesting them.

Harvest the bulbils by hand when they split up in the stalk without creating or resisting harm with their root-forming bases. Harvest them having a knife. Allow the bases of bulbils to recover before planting until dry.

Mix a rooting medium containing equal elements of pumice, sharp (or coarse) sand as well as a mild, peat-free planting medium. Pumice or cactus potting soil functions as a medium.

Fill 1inch liner pots– the containers utilized to marketplace six packs using the medium to propagate several plants — of annuals. To get a variety of bulbils, use with rooting medium, a seedling flat stuffed.

In order that they do not drop over insert the bulbils far enough to the medium. Water them carefully and place them in a warm location from direct sun. Water properly again the surface of the medium feels dry.

Test the plantlets. Give each one a mild tug. The ones that resist are prepared for transplanting into a larger pot and have roots. Reposition pull free of the soil. Test them again bulbils that are agave typically root to 8 weeks within two weeks.

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