Agave

Very good morning Friends!

Friends, today we will talk about a plant that is very easy to care, can sustain practically in any kind of weather and climate and is useful in many ways. Despite having all these qualities, it was neglected for centuries and never found a place in people’s houses or gardens. People avoided it due to its sharp needle like leaves and large size. Its beauty was always overlooked. The plant has lived a happy life in the forests. Yes, we are talking about a very hard to kill succulent- Agave!

Nowadays, situation is quite different. There is a change in people's minds and preferences. Plants of all shapes and sizes are being loved. Succulents and cacti find their place in many homes and hearts. Many hybrid species with desired color, appearance, size and nature have been developed by crossing different varieties. As a result, tens and hundreds of different varieties of the same plant are available for everyone's choice and need. One such beautiful plant is- Agave, which we are about to befriend.

While visiting forests and hills, you must have often seen them growing on the slopes. Their leaves are thick, shiny and sharp. Being thick they can store water inside them. This water is used by the plant during the time of water crisis in dry season. Leaves are shiny and smooth to reflect most of the radiation that falls on their surface and to minimize the evaporation of water through them. Thus, making the plant draught tolerant. Last but not the least; they are spear sharp to protect themselves from animals who would otherwise consume them to fulfil their water needs in summer. Their juicy pulpy leaves would make a delicious breakfast for them. Thus, by protecting itself in every way, Agave manages a healthy and happy life in the wild.

Leaves of Agave are fibrous. The fiber extracted from them is so strong that it can be woven into ropes. Various handicraft items are also made from these fibers. Some varieties of liquor like tequila are also made from the juice of certain species. This plant has medicinal properties too and its sap, juice and leaves are used in many types of medicines in dried powdered form. They are used for treatment of constipation, indigestion, flatulence, jaundice, cancer, and diarrhea; to promote labor; and to promote urine production. But do not consume it without doctor's advice.

तो देखा आपने! यह उपेक्षित सा पौधा कितने काम का है। आइए अब देखते हैं कि घर में लगाने पर इनकी देखभाल कैसे करनी है।

Originally, this plant is found in North African countries. Being acclimatized to hot weather there, this succulent plant tolerates heat and drought but succumbs to extreme cold, frost and snow. Therefore, during winters, they must be kept in shade. They need lots of sunlight, so place them in open where they receive at least 3-6 hours of sunlight a day. If direct sunlight is not available during winters or in closed space, install grow lights over them to keep them healthy and growing.

Agave requires little water, so plant them in soil in which water does not stagnate. Sand with gravels and stones is best suited for them. Always check for holes at the bottom of your planter for draining out water. Never plant them in metal planter or a planter without holes. Terracotta and Cement planters are best for them as water evaporates from their surface. Agave does not need regular watering. When the soil is completely dry, water them thoroughly. During summers when temperature is above 40oC, water them in alternate days. In winters watering once a week is sufficient.

Agave is a wild plant, habitual of neglect, so.... If you don’t have much time to care for your plants or if you are a frequent traveller and still want some green fellows around, this is the ideal plant for you. Or if you are in the initial stages of planting and want to plant a plant which is impossible to kill, which finds a reason to survive in every situation, then this plant is made for you only. Install them at home and forget about them. They will remain happy even with minimal maintenance.।

If their lower leaves have dried up or have become thin, brown and weak, cut them with a sharp knife. By doing this every few days the plant will always remain beautiful. The plant does not need fertilizers. For fast growth though any balanced fertilizer can be given in small quantity (one-fourth of the recommended doses). Many saplings keep emerging from near the bottom of the stem at the bottom. They may be cut and planted to start as new plants. There is no need to panic even if its root is cut while separating. As new roots will sprout within a few days when planted in moist soil.

They also contain seeds and sapling can be grown from those seeds. But you may have to wait very long for this because most of the agave varieties are monocarpic. It means they produce flowers only once in their entire lifetime. After maturity, a long and thick stem like structure emerges in the plant in which many tiny flowers bloom in clusters. Seeds are formed later in these flowers. This stem is hard and very long to keep away from the reach of wild animals. After formation of seeds, the plant dies. The emergence of this stalk for flowers is the final stage of their development. Even if this stem is cut, the plant does not survive; it dries up and dies within a few days. The lifespan of Agave is usually 60-70 years. Due to their long life, they are also called Century Plant. Century Plant. भी कहा जाता है।

Hundreds of their species are found all over the world. You can choose the right variety according to your choice, need, place and season and plant them in your home and decorate your garden without any hard work or effort.

So friends, this was our today's plant which is absolutely 'low maintenance'. See you again soon with another unique plant. Goodbye until then!