What Is Agave Crown Rot: How To Save Plants With Crown Rot
While usually an easy plant to grow in rock gardens and hot, dry areas, agave can be susceptible to bacterial and fungal rots if exposed to too much moisture and humidity. Cool, wet spring weather that rapidly changes to hot, humid summer can cause a surge in fungal growth and pest populations. Mid- to late-summer crown rot of agave plants can be common in cooler climates and potted plants. Read on to learn what you can do for agave plants with crown rot.
What is Agave Crown Rot?
Agave, or century plant, is native to the deserts of Mexico and hardy in zones 8 to 10. In landscaping, they can be a stunning addition to rock gardens and other xeriscaping projects. The best way to prevent root and crown rot of agave plants is to situate them in a location with excellent drainage, infrequent irrigation, and full sun.
Agave plants should also never be watered overhead, a slow trickle of water right at the root zone can prevent the splashing and spread of fungal spores, as well as prevent the crown rot that can happen if water pools up in the crown of agave plants. Pumice, crushed stone, or sand can be added to the soil when planting an agave to provide more drainage. Container-grown agave will do best in a cactus or succulent soil mixture.
Crown rot of agave may present itself as gray or mottled lesions or, in extreme cases, the plant's leaves may entirely turn gray or black and shrivel right where they grow out from the crown. Red/orange fungal spores may also be obvious near the plant crown.
Crown and root rots in agave can also be caused by an insect called the agave snout weevil, which injects bacteria into the plant as it chews on its leaves. The bacteria cause soft, squishy lesions in the plant where the pest then lays its eggs. Once hatched, the weevil larvae tunnel their way to the roots and soil, spreading rot as they work their way throughout the plant.
How to Save Plants with Crown Rot
It is important to regularly inspect your agave plant for signs of insect chewing and rot, especially if it not growing in optimal conditions. If caught early enough, fungal and bacterial rots can be controlled with selective pruning and treatment of fungicides such as thiophanate methyl or neem oil.
Leaves with chew marks or lesions should be cut off at the crown and disposed of immediately. When pruning away diseased plant tissues, it’s recommended that you dip pruners in a mixture of bleach and water between each cut.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
In extreme cases of rot, it may be necessary to dig up the whole plant, remove all soil from the roots, prune off all crown and root rot that is present, and, if there is any plant left, treat it with fungicide and replant it in a new location. Or it may be best to dig up the plant and replace it with a disease-resistant variety.
Before planting anything in the area that an infected plant was growing in, you should sterilize the soil, which could still contain pests and disease after the infected plant has been removed.
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Water Wick? How To Use One To Keep Houseplants Hydrated While You’re Away
A water wick for plants will give you a worry-free break if you need to leave your plant babies for a while. It’s easy to set up and pretty much runs itself.
By Amy Grant
-
How To Propagate Agave: Instructions And Tips For Agave Propagation
Agave plants are popular, but they do have one drawback. They are a monocarpic species, and understanding how to propagate agave is an essential part of their care.
By Laura Miller
-
How To Grow Agave For Nectar: Growing And Harvesting Blue Agave Syrup
At one time growing blue agave was most notable for its production into tequila, but today blue agave nectar is giving the liquor a run for its money. Read on for more.
By Amy Grant
-
Grow An Artichoke Agave Plant - Artichoke Agave Parryi Info
How big does Artichoke agave get? Not as large a species as some varieties, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with an amazing flower, glorious color, and a compact rosette.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Agave Houseplant Care – Growing Agave As A Houseplant
Maybe it’s too much of a hassle to bring agave in and out with the seasons. You might wonder if you can grow agave as a houseplant. The answer is yes, you can, although some types may grow better than others if kept exclusively indoors. Learn more here.
By Becca Badgett
-
Different Agave Plants – Commonly Grown Agaves In Gardens
One of agave's most common uses in the landscape is for privacy or as mass plantings of thorny unpleasant defense plants. However, grown as specimen plant, different agave plants can add height, shape or texture to the landscape. Learn About varieties of agave here.
By Darcy Larum
-
Potted Agave Care: Tips On Growing Agave Plants In Pots
Can agave grow in pots? You bet! With so many varieties of agave available, container grown agave plants are an excellent choice for the gardener with limited space, less than perfect soil conditions, and a lack of abundant sunlight. Click here to learn more.
By Gardening Know How
-
Caulotops Barberi Pests: Learn About Agave Plant Bug Control
While generally a low maintenance, easy-to-grow plant, agave can be susceptible to pest problems. If you have noticed bugs eating agave plants in your landscape, click here to learn more about controlling agave plant bugs in the garden.
By Darcy Larum
-
Managing Root Rot In Agave – How To Treat Agave Root Rot
Root rot is a common disease in plants that is usually caused by poor drainage or improper watering. While more common in potted plants, root rot can also affect outdoor plants. Learn more about managing root rot in agave with the following information.
By Darcy Larum