Expert: Greg Simpson - 6/17/2006

Question
I recently received a gorgeous 7 or 8 year old blue agave plant.  I
made sure I placed it in the sunniest spot in the house.  I have not
watered it in about 2 weeks, as it spend a night outside in the rain
when it was delivered.  However, the ends of some of the bottom
leaves are turning yellow. Do I need to trim them off.  Isn't this a
sign of too much water?  it is a very large and heavy plant and it is
layered with rocks on top for aesthetic purposes which doesn't
allow me to test the soil.  I need some advice. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Dear cgrant,

Yellow tips do not necessarily mean that your overwatering. Since it is the bottom leaves, it may just be normal. You can check the plant by grabbing the center most leaves and wiggle the plant. If the whole plant & pot moves, then your plant is probably OK. If the plant moves but the pot stays stationary, there be reason for concern. Also, if you live in a very hot & dry area (like Phoenix AZ), then watering every 2 weeks in the summer is probably advisable.

But, if you are in a humid area, then once a month will be enough (especially if the plant is in a plastic pot). If it is terra cotta, the soil will dry out faster. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg