If you like agave but don't want to hurt yourself, the rather soft dragon tree agave is the best choice. It is also very easy to care for.
Do you like agaves too? If so, then you certainly have some at home. Since the leaves of classic agaves are very pointed and also extremely hard, the tips of the leaves have really small spines. There are also small ticks on the edge of the leaves. This is not always an advantage, especially when you have small children.
But in order not to have to do without the agave, you can get a very specific variety. Namely the dragon tree agave (Agave attenuata), which has particularly soft leaves and therefore does not form pointed leaf ends. And the edges are not ticked either. Otherwise there is no difference to the conventional agave, neither in appearance nor in care.
How to care for your dragon tree agave
Location:
In order for the dragon tree agave to thrive, it naturally needs the right location. Normal agaves generally like a very sunny and warm place. However, the dragon tree agave originally comes from the mountain regions of Mexico and therefore does well in partially shaded locations.
You can put the agave outdoors in late spring and summer. But slowly acclimate your indoor agave to the UV rays outdoors. If you put the plant in full sun immediately, the leaves can burn. Therefore, place the dragon tree agave in a partially shaded place for about two weeks. Then the agave can find its place in the blazing sun. You have to bring the plant back inside before the first night frost, because unfortunately it doesn't tolerate sub-zero temperatures at all.
Casting:
You hardly have to water agaves. Since the leaves store water, you should only keep the soil slightly moist. In principle, it is sufficient if you water the dragon tree agave every two weeks. However, excess water must always be able to drain freely to prevent waterlogging. The dragon tree agave does not tolerate this at all. So always throw away the water in the planter.
Between October and February, the dragon tree agave goes into a dormant phase. Here mustYou only give her a very small amount of water. Simply to prevent the bale from drying out completely.
Fertilize:
Fertilize your dragon tree agave with a cactus fertilizer about every four weeks during the growth phase. You don't need to fertilize at all during the dormant period between October and February.
Repot:
Larger agaves should be repotted about every three years in March. Make sure that you press the plant well into the substrate. Be careful not to damage the roots.
Hiberation:
As already mentioned, the dragon tree agave goes into a dormant phase from October to February. During this time they like it light and cool. Temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius are ideal.
Extra tip: propagate agave
You can also propagate the dragon tree agave by separating the small leaf rosettes that the plant forms from the mother plant with the root and planting them separately. Otherwise, you can also propagate the dragon tree agave in spring using seeds. It just takes a while.