May is When Agaves Die

            I am getting quite a few emails about cacti dying, particularly agave. Some are guessing the culprits are ants, diseases and other readers appear to be stumped.

American Agave can die in about May of any year.

Agave Weevil

            The culprit is the agave weevil that lays its eggs at the base of agave leaves. As their young-uns hatch from the eggs, they burrow into the stem of the agave and all through it including the roots. The plant rots and dies from all the damage done usually in late April or May. We are seeing it now. A pesticide applied around its base in March, and lightly watered in, usually prevents the damage from getting worse. The other option is not to grow agave.

Agave weevils can decimate agaves in May if left unchecked

Drainage a Must

            If you’ve never grown any cacti before, make sure the soil drains easily of water and that don’t water these plants too often. I have found a deep watering every three weeks is frequent enough to push new growth and get the plants larger.

Know the Origin of Your Cactus 

Some cacti are not meant for very hot locations because they come from milder climates. Photo taken at the LV Sorings Preserve.

Some beautiful cacti and other succulents come from the hot, dry deserts of Central and North America. Make sure they are placed in full sun. Other cacti may come from milder, coastal or high-altitude desert climates and need protection from the intense Mojave Desert sun. Knowing where cacti come from empowers you and its landscape placement.