CARE FOR YUCCAS, JOSHUAS, OCOTILLOS AND AGAVES

We grow plants from seed, offsets and reroot field collected plants. This is our opinion after 40 plus years experience of growing plants successfully in Las Vegas.

Planting

Dig the whole slightly larger then the root mass, removing any large rocks. Check the hole for drainage. Mix 1/4 mulch by volume with soil from the hole. Plant your plant to the original depth as seen at the base of the plant. Pack the soil tightly around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting. DO NOT FERTILIZE FOR THE FIRST YEAR!

Watering Agaves

Agaves should be watered much like a cactus. Depending on the size and type of Agave place 2 drippers at least 6" to 12" from the base of the plant one on each side, No closer... Using 2 GPH drippers and the Desert Demonstration Gardens Watering Guide, water according to directions on the guide for the first year. After that you can cut down on the watering but be careful not to cut back too much as an agave may show stress during the hot summer by sun burning if not given enough water.

Watering Yuccas , Ocotillos and Yuccas

These plants should also be put on drippers. Again using 2 GPH drippers, place 2 drippers 6" to 12" from the base, one on each side. While getting your plants established, water frequently, at least every other day for the first year. Also spray the whole plant down, wetting the entire plant when you water or even more often. A dripper line can be run up the plant and a micro spray head would spray when the drippers run. This keeps the wood hydrated while the roots are reestablishing. After 18 months to 2 years you can cut back on the watering gradually to a through watering once a month. Leave the Ocotillos wired up for the first year. Ocotillos will stay green all summer if watered regularly.

Fertilizing

No fertilizer for the first year, then up to 3 times a year with Miracle Grow or a like fertlizer.

Pests

The Agave beetle is the only major pest known to Yuccas, Joshuas and Agaves. Damage is hard to notice until it is too late. Agaves give the resemblance to needing water. The outer leaves droop erratically, and leaves the central bud as a spike. Joshuas don't show any sign till they fall over. A systemic insecticide such as Isotox or Disiston can be used on the plant throughout its life as a preventative measure.