How to prune agave americana

Spring or early summer; remove dead leaves any time. Using heavy leather gloves and long-sleeved clothing, cut dead outer leaves flush with the base using a handsaw or heavy pruners. Do not remove healthy green leaves. The terminal spine is dangerous — consider tipping the outermost leaves if children or pets are nearby.

As needed — typically just a few leaves per year. Agave americana needs very little pruning. Remove dead, brown outer leaves by cutting them cleanly at the base — wear thick gloves and eye protection because the terminal spines are extremely sharp. After the plant flowers (monocarpic — it dies after one bloom), remove the spent flower stalk once fully dry.

Using heavy leather gloves and long-sleeved clothing, cut dead outer leaves flush with the base using a handsaw or heavy pruners. Do not remove healthy green leaves. The terminal spine is dangerous — consider tipping the outermost leaves if children or pets are nearby.