Agave ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue Agave): Best Way to Take Care Of

Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! Today it is all about how to grow and care for the Agave ovatifolia. The Agave ovatifolia commonly known as Whale’s Tongue Agave is native of Mexico. It is a beautiful plant that has become popular among gardeners in the United States. It’s most commonly known by the name Whale’s Tongue Agave in reference to the girth of its leaves. Agave ovatifolia is an evergreen rosette-shaped succulent that produces thick, waxy leaves that grow up to 3 feet long and incredibly broad.
*********************
RESOURCES & LINKS:
*********************
Agave ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue Agave): Best Way to Take Care Of
brainygardener.com/agave-ovat...
*********************
Video Timestamps
*********************
0:00 - Introduction
1:16- Light and Location
1:54 - Watering
2:23- Temperature
2:52 - Humidity
3:02 - Fertilization
3:32 - Propagation
4:39 - Potting and Repotting
5:47 - Toxicity and Common Pests
6:47 - Common Problems
*********************
Summary
The Agave ovatifolia commonly known as Whale’s Tongue Agave is native of Mexico. Whale’s Tongue Agave remain small, never reaching more than 3 feet in height. As a result, these plants are suited for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. This is an easy-to-care-for succulent, but it does require some special considerations. Agave ovatifolia is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 11, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in those regions.
1. Light and Location
The best place for the Agave ovatifolia is in full sun, though it can tolerate some shade. If your Agave receives too little light, its leaves will get pale and lose color. If it’s getting too much sun, it risks sunburn. These plants prefer an environment that is well-ventilated with sufficient sunlight.
2. Watering
The Agave ovatifolia needs to be watered deeply, but not frequently. Once established, you should start watering once a week during the summer and once a month during winter. Overwatering causes root rot, the most common cause of death for the plant.
3. Temperature
The Agave ovatifolia prefer temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer climates, it’s best to provide some shade during the hottest times of the day. It is surprisingly frost-hardy down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit but should be sheltered from any direct wind.
4. Humidity
The ideal humidity level is between 40% and 50%, which you can easily achieve without much effort.
5. Fertilization
Agave ovatifolia does not require fertilizer for healthy growth, though you can use a balanced fertilizer if you want to promote faster growth. It is best to use sow-release fertilizers since they are better for the soil and do not contain any harsh chemicals or additives.
6. Propagation
Whale’s Tongue Agave can be propagated from offsets and seeds. Agave ovatifolia rarely offsets, and most gardeners need to look for alternatives to grow. Seeds are a viable alternative if you can get your hands on them. To propagate by seeds, collect the seeds from the fruit and store them in a cool, dry place. Sow the seeds under a lightweight soil mix. Keep the potting medium slightly moist, and place the plant in a warm area free from direct sunlight.
7. Potting and Repotting
Agave ovatifolia should be repotted every few years. It is best to repot when it has outgrown its current container or if it has stopped growing. You should also repot if you notice that the roots have filled up most of the soil in their current. Wait for spring to repot your plant, as agaves are dormant during the winter. Choose a pot larger than your current one. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom.
8. Toxicity and Common Pests
Agave ovatifolia is mildly toxic to humans and animals. The plant sap irritates the skin and mucous membranes, especially if you come into contact with it for a long time. These plants are susceptible to Agave snout weevil, Scale Insects and Slugs and Snails.
9. Common Problems
Frost Burn, Sunburn and Root Rot Are Some of the Most Common Problems.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for watching (and reading!). If you've found this video to be useful, please give it a thumbs up or leave a comment below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
► Subscribe to Brainy Gardener: bit.ly/3EsWsiE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
► Our Website: brainygardener.com
Get tips, ideas and inspiration to help make your home greener

[@JoyWeisel]

Ugh gah vA is the correct pronunciation. Also, the first pictured agave is not ovatifolia, it is truncata.

[@zonzillamagnus5902]

It’s AI

[@JoyWeisel]

And that makes it okay somehow? That just tells me that whoever told the AI how to speak encoded it improperly.

[@mkk1600]

Say “Agave” correctly 😂

[@nativeandunusualplants3582]

isn't that annoying!

[@edgarmiranda2479]

Pooooooooor PRESENTATION, YOU FORGOT, SOME ARE VISUAL, TALK TALK TALK and nit showing it HOW. VERY POOR PRESENTATION