Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/13/2006

Question
hello i live in san francisco on the 8th floor and my plant is on the patio on the roof. I got the plant from a friend it's about 25 years old and about 4 feet high. the pot i have it in is about 3 feetx 3feet. i put a combintion of soil 1/2 catus soil and 1/2 regular soil it did well in the first year new leaf and all. but now the leaves are turning yellow and brown spots are appearing just as the leafs bend. Can you help me.Am i over watering? help I dont want to loose this great plant.

Answer
Dear Steve,

It is easy to overwater an Agave and they should only be watered when the soil is dry. With the humidity where you are, that might be once a month. If there is a fowl smell, then there ir rot involved in which case, the plant is doomed. Also, if the plant is now getting direct sunlight that it wasn't before, that could also be the cause. Unless it has always been in direct sun, it won't react well to it.

One last thing, if the plant is 25 years old, it may be reaching the end of its lifespan. Agave's always die after they flower, however being in a pot, it might not flower. Hope this helps and good luck.

Sincerely,

Greg