What's wrong with my agave attenuata "huntington blue"?

[jonw]

I live in coastal Southern California. My agave attenuata "huntington blue" is in full/direct sun all day. Other than the most central leaves, all leaves turn brown and shrivel - far more than other attenuatas in my neighborhood. Too much direct sun? Too little water? Something other issue? I would guess it's too much direct sun, but the leaves do not look sunburned to me. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Gee.S]

Looks like a moisture issue to me. Lower leaves will show damage first as a result of inadequate hydration.

[Spination]

I agree with Ron. The fact that the plant is not sunburned is a positive, indicating the location and current sun exposure is OK. But, it certainly needs more water. I water the heck out of mine, soaking my big one at least every other day, while the weather is warm and sunny. These are semi-tropical plants. Yes, they will endure insufficient hydration, but leaf tips and lower leaves will dry up. If the plant can't support it's foliage with the amount of water available, it will do what it must to lighten it's load and survive. If you want it looking it's best, it's going to need a lot more water.
In the winter, turn it all around, then it needs to be kept relatively dry, as rot and fungal disease will be the challenge faced when it's too wet, too long.
They also don't fare well in my experience to frost and freeze.

PS - just want to say, even with the dry tips and lower leaves, that plant is a beauty!

[Stan]

WAY too dry. It also looks- not sure- that it was planted a little too high? .Or did the mix its in sink? The overall look including the other plants says..more water needed.

[DesertDweller]

I agree with Ron. The fact that the plant is not sunburned is a positive, indicating the location and current sun exposure is OK. But, it certainly needs more water. I water the heck out of mine, soaking my big one at least every other day, while the weather is warm and sunny. These are semi-tropical plants. Yes, they will endure insufficient hydration, but leaf tips and lower leaves will dry up. If the plant can't support it's foliage with the amount of water available, it will do what it must to lighten it's load and survive. If you want it looking it's best, it's going to need a lot more water.
In the winter, turn it all around, then it needs to be kept relatively dry, as rot and fungal disease will be the challenge faced when it's too wet, too long.
They also don't fare well in my experience to frost and freeze.

PS - just want to say, even with the dry tips and lower leaves, that plant is a beauty!

^^^ This. Definitely a looker, have not seen that one before. Love the coloration.

[Gee.S]

^ These are frequently available at big box and nurseries across the Valley, but I'd pass, they aren't particularly well-suited for this part of the world, and do much better in Cali.