The agave is a stunning succulent from the asparagus family. Unlike most garden favorites, this plant isn’t really about the flowers—it’s all about those bold, fleshy, architectural leaves. If you’re wondering how to keep yours looking its best without causing any damage, here is the lowdown on how to handle pruning:
Less is Definitely More
When it comes to most garden shrubs, a good haircut helps them grow back thicker and stronger. But with agaves? Not so much. The golden rule here is that pruning won’t help you control the size of the plant. If you’re looking for a cute indoor plant or something for a small pot, your best bet is to choose a dwarf variety from the start.
Agaves are slow growers and they don’t handle “surgery” very well. In fact, cutting them back can actually stress them out. For the most part, you should leave those leaves alone unless it’s an absolute emergency. You should only reach for the shears if you see:
- Completely dried-out leaves
- Obvious signs of disease
- Mushy, rotting, or yellow leaves
- Severely damaged or torn foliage
The Right Way to Cut
If you do find yourself in a “botanical emergency” and need to remove a leaf, you’ll want to cut it as close to the main trunk as possible. Use a very sharp knife and—this is the important part—make sure it’s disinfected first. Because agave leaves are so thick and watery, they leave behind large “wounds” that are basically an open door for pests and infections. Clean tools help keep the plant safe.
Be careful not to nick the main trunk while you’re working. If a leaf is rotting, get it off the plant immediately. However, if a leaf is just starting to dry out, try to be patient. Wait until it is totally crispy and brown before cutting it off. This gives the plant enough time to pull all the remaining nutrients back into its core.
Think Twice Before Trimming Spines
Those sharp spikes at the tips of the leaves can be a bit intimidating, especially if you have kids or pets running around. While it’s tempting to just snip the tips off, it usually leaves the plant looking scarred and can mess with its overall health.
If you want to protect your shins without hurting the plant, try a clever gardener’s trick: pop a small wine cork or a bit of organic modeling clay onto the sharp tips. It keeps everyone safe while keeping your agave happy and healthy!
