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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hi Robert, I have been using Bayer 3 in 1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control as a preventative measure against the agave root weevils and so far it has worked effectively. I apply it as a soil drench in April, May & June. There are two types of the Bayer 3 in 1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control >> one contains Imidacloprid and one does not. I always use the one that contains Imidacloprid which is a bit more expensive but worth it.