Agave Root removal - change the soil too ???

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brechtel Andalucia, Spain Feb 24, 2011

I have a quick question. Where we live we are surrounded by Agave plants,
> out in the semi-desert...my husband thought it would a be a good idea to take
> some of the local plants (Agaves) and put them in containers on our roof
> garden, I was'nt happy about but in they went. However, the monsters have
> now produced mile long roots (with vicious spikes, and babies which fill
> the pot, killing off all other plants by stangulation, smothering or just plain old
> stabbing, under the surface! Yesterday I decided they had to go, roots and
> all. A friend however has just said I will have to get rid of all the earth
> in the containers too as agave roots have little tentacles growing out and
> if these are left, they will grow again ....aaaargh!!!
> Is there any way to clean the soil or must I really throw it all out in
> the desert and begin from scratch (pardon the pun!) ???
> I removed all the other plants but will these have agave tentacles on
> them too or are they okay to replant?

> Many thanks for any help :)
>
>
>

Post #8389574
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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Feb 24, 2011

You could try sifting your soil. Agave grow underground rhizomes and spread by them. Some varieties, when moved from their natural habitat will "go wild" and put off tons of suckers and roots. This is usually caused by being put in richer soil with better access to water.

I would replant in sifted soil and just keep an eye out for any new plantlets.

Post #8389939
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brechtel Andalucia, Spain Feb 25, 2011

Hello Moonhowl

Thank you for answering my post :)
I managed to find some other sources too, most agree it would be easier to get rid of the whole lot,soil and all for the reasons you stated... if a stray critter remains, up they'll pop!
So some busy shovelling and empty pockets lie ahead...a mistake never to be repeated though.

Post #8391702
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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Feb 25, 2011

Rather than throw away your existing soil, spread it out in a thin layer on top of a tarp or newspaper or old sheet and let it sit in the sun for a few days. The tiny rootlets should dry up in the heat rendering the soil useful again. You can also place the soil in black plastic bags in direct sun for a few days, thus cooking any roots left behind. Just leave it until all moisture has evaporated from the soil. I use this method to kill weed seeds in compost and soil.

Good luck to you.

Post #8391857
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