Expert: Greg Simpson - 10/20/2005

Question
Greg, I transplanted a large (15-year-old)
Agave Americana in June. It went from hard-packed
soil surroundings to a county with 3-4 feet of
sugar sand on top and red clay underneath - it's been a very hot summer, and this poor thing has
looked sick ever since. It HAS produce two new fronds, but they flop over - I have to bring buckets of water to get to it, and I do that every
two or three days. Is it getting too much water,
or not enough, or is it still in shock ?  

Answer
Dear Dave,

It could be any of those things. When ever a succulent is transplanted, you must give it time for the roots to heal. Usually a week or so is sufficient. once the roots have healed, you can water regularly, but every couple of days sounds like too much water. Not to mention, going from soil to sand is also tramatic for the plant from a nutrient standpoint.

If crown rot has set in, your plant may perish. Also, 15 years is about the life span of these plants, so it may have gotten stressed by the move at just the time when it was going to put up its flower stalk. It is hard to say exactly what is wrong, however, if you smell a foul odor, then rot has set in. If not, cut back on the watering and let it go a wek or two before watering, as long as its below 100 degrees or so.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg