Foxtail agave

For this plant

One watering every two to three weeks in summer, none in winter. The mix must dry out completely.

The principle

Plants with very low water needs store reserves in their leaves, stems or roots. The risk is never thirst but excess: let the substrate dry through its full depth, water generously in one go, then wait two to four weeks. In winter, once a month is almost always enough.

For this plant

Sun or bright half-shade. In inland heatwaves, afternoon shade keeps the leaves flawless.

The principle

Full sun means six hours or more of direct light a day. These plants build thick foliage and dense tissue to cope with it; in insufficient light they stretch, lengthen their internodes and lose their compact habit. After buying or repotting, reintroduce direct sun gradually over ten to fifteen days to avoid scorch.

For this plant

Optional: a diluted cactus feed in spring.

The principle

Moderate growth is fed once a month from March to September with a balanced liquid feed at the maker's dose. Water with plain water first, then feed: on dry substrate, concentrated fertiliser burns the fine roots. Nothing from October to February, the resting period.

For this plant

Frost-sensitive below −2 °C: perfect on the coast, protect in winter in Fes, Meknes or Oujda.

The principle

Good heat tolerance means the summers of Marrakech, Fez or Béni Mellal pose no problem as long as water follows. Days above 38 °C call for early-morning watering and, in a pot, protection of the west-facing wall: the root ball can reach 50 °C before the plant shows anything at all.