How to Water Agave in Containers

Check the leaves of the agave for wrinkles or withering on the leaf surface. Floppy leaves are another signal of water stress. Immediately give the agave 2 cups of water to help it recover from the brink of death. Death by water stress occurs mainly after the agave is placed in a corner and forgotten while it is dormant.

Push a wooden pencil into the soil two to four inches from the base of the agave plant. Insert the pencil up to the eraser or until it touches the bottom of the container. Remove the pencil. If no soil is clinging to the pencil, then the agave plant needs water. Agaves thrive in dry conditions since the leaves and stem store water for future use, so let the soil dry before watering again.

Fill a clean 2-quart container with tap water and let it sit out overnight. This allows chemicals such as chlorine and fluorine to evaporate. Give the water time to warm up to room temperature so the temperature doesn't shock the succulent's roots.

Pour water slowly on the soil around the plant. Do not sprinkle the water on the leaves since this can pit and damage the leaves. Stop watering when it runs out the bottom of the plant pot.

Let the soil drain and remove the excess water from the saucer under the pot. Repeat the watering process using all of the water from the 2-quart container. During the summer, agave plants need water about twice a month. Cut back the watering schedule to once a month during winter.