A variety of room species Agava on one page: Queen Victoria, Marginat and other names with photos. Agava: description, breeding, care, cultivation, medical properties, photos, video plants similar to Agava

Agava is a plant that many confused with cacti and aloe. Indeed, it is also a succulent, which, however, has its own, even more pronounced unique beneficial properties used in cooking, cosmetology and medicine. For example, as a sugar substitute included in syrups that can be found in stores. To understand what the benefits and harm of the Agava are also concluded, it is worth meeting the plant closer.

What looks like and where the agawa is growing

Succulents are a type of plants that can accumulate water in special tissues. At Agava, they are in thick, fleshy leaves, most often attached to a tight stance.

This is a plant distributed in the southwest of the United States and in the northern part South America, about one and a half times sweeter than sugar, and therefore, it is often used for the production of tequila and various syrups. Thanks to unpretentiousness to water, it is also actively used in decorative purposes in a hot dry climate.

Agava flowers only once, after which the starting plant is dying, and new shoots appear from the base of the stem. There is a common misconception that Agave is a view of cacti. As you can see by photo, the agave plant has specific external differences. In addition, his medical properties As the succulent is much more pronounced.

In his homeland, the plant is considered useful and nutritious. One of the most common ways to eat agave is nectar, which is a liquid syrup used as an alternative to traditional granulated sugar. The plant can also be eaten in a cheese or dried form. It is believed that in such a form it brings more benefits to the body.

Chemical composition and calorie agave

IN natural form Agave is an excellent source of iron - mineral, which tolerates oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. The stagmaging portion of the raw plant contains 1.8 mg of iron, and in the same amount of dried, 3.65 mg is contained. This is 46% of daily norm of this mineral for men and 20% - for women. All this indicates a great benefit for the body.

Other useful properties are as follows. Portion of raw or boiled agave provides about 40% of the daily calcium rate in an adult, and dried supplies almost three quarters from this amount. In addition, the plant is a good source of zinc - mineral necessary for wound healing.

Caloriciness of the raw plant - 68 kcal per hundred grams. In agave syrup, nutritional is much higher - 310 kcal per 100 g. It is a moderate source of vitamin C and several vitamins of group V.

Syrup consists of 76% of carbohydrates, 23% water, 0.4% fat and a minor amount of protein, so it can harm people with a tendency to obesity.

What is useful to agawa for the body

The plant contains several compounds with protective benefit properties. It has in its composition of saponins that bind to cholesterol and can help reduce its overall level. These compounds can also impede the growth of cancer tumors than inconspicuous benefits.

In Cosmetology Agava is used to improve the condition of the skin of the face.

Agava also contains inulin - type of fiber, which is a probiotic or useful type of bacteria. Natural plant, unlike, also provides the body good dose fibers I. a large number of fiber that can reduce the risk of constipation.

Indications for the use of agave

Agava syrup consists of fructose, not glucose, so it is easier to digest. The body needs fewer insulin to digest it. Slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, reducing the maxima and minima of blood sugar. This useful property means that the plant has a very low glycemic index (GI), that is, it does not significantly increase blood sugar levels. This makes the product particularly suitable for people with sensitivity to simple carbohydrates. Agava syrup is a good useful alternative to honey, dates, sugar and other sweeteners.

The most common use of the product is adding to dishes as a source of sweet taste. It should be borne in mind that Agave is sweeter than sugar and honey, therefore, it is necessary to add it to food less.

Recipes of traditional medicine based on agave

Juice squeezed from Agava, in its composition various alkaloids, estrogen-like isoflavonoid, coumarin and vitamins K, C, B1, B2 and D, as well as provitamin A.

The plant is characterized by invalid, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore B. folk medicine It is used to dissolve bruises, treatment of burns, minor muscle tensions, bruises, abrasion and skin irritation provoked by insect bites.

In some regions of America, the juice of the plant together with the protein eggs a lot of centuries are used as a compress for the treatment of wounds.

But this is not limited to its benefit. Traditionally, it was used to treat problems with stomach, ulcers, jaundice and other liver diseases, as well as tuberculosis, syphilis and gynecological problems.

In addition, the succulent is able to cause sweating, therefore it is used to knock down a high temperature.

Parc, cooked from the root and leaves of the plant, can be useful to facilitate dental pain.

From back pain

In the treatment of pain in the back, the plant can bring significant benefits. It is especially effective when painful sensations appear from a long-term seating in place or sharp slopes.

Agava and muscular spasms will help. For this purpose, it is necessary to rub the sore place with its juice. For the first time you need to be careful because it can cause irritation. If no harm to the skin is noticed, it is necessary to repeat rubbing twice a day. After the procedure, it is advisable to look for a couple of hours.

With arthrosis

The benefits of this succulent in the treatment of arthrosis is known for a long time. There are several well-known popular recipes based on it.

The two most common ways of preparation of agave tincture for continuous use:

1. Cut the leaves of the plant and immediately cut or grasp it right away.
2. Using gauze squeeze fresh juice.
3. On 800 ml of juice you need to add 200 ml of pure medical alcohol (96%).
4. Leave for a week in a dark place.

The second option is prepared as:

1. Cut fresh leaves as much as possible.
2. Put them in a glass bottle.
3. For each tablespoon of raw materials pour 150 ml of 70% - SPART.
4. Carefully close the container and put in a dark place.
5. Inituate for ten days, after which it is strain.

From headache

Sukkulente is accepted as a heat and boponizing agent. The method of application is simple - enough to drink a few drops of agave juice.

For gout

The use of Agava leaves will help in the treatment of gout and other ailments associated with salt deposition. A tincture of them is used as a medicament.

To make it takes:

1. Finely cut the leaves of the plant.
2. For every 10 g of raw materials, take 100 ml of 70% - SPART.
3. Close tightly tight and put for two weeks in a dark place.

Important! It is impossible to take a one-time more than 20 drops of tincture, because in such a concentration it can become poison.

From constipation

Since the plant contains a lot of fibers, its useful properties include improved intestinal operation. To apply it as a laxative, you need to cut the leaves, pour with water and prepare a decoction on slow fire. The finished agent insists for about an hour and filter.

To get rid of fuss

Sukkulette has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it is very useful in the treatment of injections and boils. To this end, the leaves make Cashitz, which is applied every day to the affected place.

Tip! With sensitive skin, the raw material can be half milked with olive oil.

With hematomakh

Therapeutic properties of room agave can be used for rapid healing by hematoma. The most common two recipes of the folk agent:

1. In the first case, the juice squeeze juice from the flesh and mix with boiled water In proportion 1: 3. In the prepared facility, wet the pure gauze and applied to the blood flow for 15 minutes.
2. In the second embodiment, a teaspoon of freshly squeezed juice Agava is stirred with two tablespoons fresh juice aloe. In this solution, we smell a swab and applied to the place of hematoma.

Important! In the event of irritation on the skin, the bumpets should not be repeated. Moisturizing cream will help to remove the undesirable side effect.

To enhance immunity

The juice of the plant is used as a universal means that benefits the whole body, and including the enhancement immunity. To cook it, you will need:

• 350 g of purified walnut;
• 200 ml of fresh spring honey;
• 100 g of raisin;
• 100 ml of fresh juice agave.

To prepare this folk medicine, you will need to grind nuts and raisins in the kitchen process or meat grinder. In the water bath you need to melt honey, mix with juice of the plant and the rest of the components. Ready mix in a closed jar in the refrigerator. Take it in small quantities before meals.

For diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract

The beneficial properties of Agava have been used for the treatment of weakened digestion, the formation of intestinal gases and in cases of constipation.

Since juice has antibacterial properties, it can be used to combat bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the fact that the succulent is a laxative means, it can be used without harm to treat diarrhea and even dysentery. For the fight against gastric problems, diluted juice will fit well.

Interesting! The properties of agave extract ensures the content of hecogenin - the substance used in the production of a number of steroid drugs.

With bronchitis and emergency

For diseases respiratory system Also use plant setting. For its preparation required:

• 700 g crushed Agava leaves;
• 500 ml of vodka;
• 500 ml of fresh honey.

All components are mixed to homogeneous composition, then placed in a closed container in a dark place for 9 days. Drink 1 tbsp. l. Three times a day before meals.

With tuberculosis

For the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis at home, a mixture of succulent juice and fresh honey prepared in the proportion of 1: 3 is used.

Therapeutic properties of the Agava flower can benefit with larynx tuberculosis.

The folk medicine consists of the following components:

• 20 g of crushed leaves and agave flowers;
• 15 g aloe tree;
• 10 g Kalanchoe;
• 10 ml of sea buckthorn oil;
• 150 g of honey.

All components are mixed per day before use and insist in the refrigerator.

How to use Agava in cosmetology

A widespread and moisturizing mask with agow, which is prepared from the juice of the plant, diluted with water. It increases the elasticity and tone of the skin, and also allows you to get a smooth beautiful tan if you apply it before leaving the beach.

Agava in crop production

The benefits of agave plants at home can be decorative. Succulent perfectly decorates the design of the yard and garden, it can be grown even in apartments. It is very convenient to care for him because it does not require too frequent irrigation.

For industrial purposes, it is used in crop production for the production of alcoholic beverages and some medicines.

Agaven use in cooking

In addition to useful properties And widespread use for medical purposes, Agave also serves as a source of food.

Stems and large leaves of the plant can be frying and dried. Juice can be drunk in the form of a syrup or apply for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages.

IN culinary recipes Agava syrup is used by a third less than sugar. In addition, the total liquid content in the recipe is reduced by one quarter.

In some regions, the United States and Mexico Agava is roasted and even eating raw, for example, adding stalks to Salat. Plant flowers are also edible. It is the syrup that is the most common way to eat agave. However, the passion for the product can cause harm, especially if it is a poor-quality not certified product.

Harm agave

Possible harm of agaves for health can be from the use of its syrup. Anxious epidemic of obesity in the world and the appearance of millions of people with preyagitis led to the fact that the term "low-grade" suddenly became very attractive. When food is denoted by this property, it immediately refers to useful.

As a result, people with blood sugar problems are sincerely mistaken, thinking that Agave is the most healthy sweetener. In fact, the plant is distinguished by low sugar content, but at the same time, it has a lot of fructose, the concentration of which in agave is even higher than in the corn syrup.

Agava does not raise sharp sugar in the blood like glucose, but this fact does not make it certainly useful and harmless. The use of a concentrated fructose product can facilitate the load on the pancreas, but can cause the liver.

A warning! Excessive consumption of fructose as part of Agava may be caused by the manifestations of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, obesity of the liver, dangerous fat in the abdomen.

Contraindications for the use of agave

The harm of Agava can become very significant during pregnancy. Saponins are present in the plant in large quantities. This toxic steroid derivative destroys erythrocytes. They should be avoided during pregnancy, due to the risk provoke miscarriage as a result of stimulation of the blood flow of the uterus.

There is an opinion on the benefits of saponins, as they increase hydration and cellular absorption of water. In fact, it is just a marketing trick.

Some people also have an allergy to the plant, so caution should always be exercised. There are many alternative sweeteners who carry less side Effects And possible harm: honey, or dates.

Conclusion

Considering the foregoing, the benefits and harm of Agava definitely deserve attention. The plant can help with many diseases, while the preparation of folk medicine is very simple. When used in moderate quantities, Agava syrup can help people suffering from diabetes mellitus.

Agava - a long-term socket succulent that does not have a stem. In his long and solid leaves, the plant accumulates moisture. Many varieties have big sharp spines at the ends of the leaves.

Motherland Plants - South United States, Mexico and Central America. Here in the harsh conditions of the steppes and semi-desert it adapted to the lack of water and the scorching sunshine. But also this plant and cold-resistant enough, which allows you to grow it in open soil In the Crimea and in the Caucasus. In a temperate strip, this is a room and greenhouse culture.

Types and varieties

There are more than 300 species of agave. Most of them are large plants that are not suitable for growing in rooms. But there are also compact species that are very popular in indoor culture. Here is some of them;

• - Large flower with a rosette of green-blue gear leaves. It has very sharp spikes. It grows well in the open soil and in the greenhouse;
• Agava american yellow-motors - The voyage variety of Agava American. Its long leaves with sharp spikes have white or yellowish lanes on the edges;
• Agava american decorated - Compact variety of Agava American. Its fairly wide and short bluish-green leaves have a white strip in the central part;
• - Compact succulent, often found in indoor culture. It has a very dense outlet from a plurality of fleshy leaves. The color of the leaf is dark green, at the end there is a spike;

• - a small plant with leathery rigid leaves, on which there are many whitish threads;
• - Another compact look. Has extensive leaves with a wax bluish ridge and browning browns;
• Agava Potatatarum - small and very decorative socket succulent. Blue-green wide leaves have a gear edge and ends with a black bar. The edges of the leaves - light yellow or white;
• Agava compressed - highly beautiful variety, the leaves of which form spherical sockets. May branch. Its leaves are fleshy and juicy, a little curved.

Agava compressed

Dimensions of an adult plant

Large copies of American agave grown in the open ground have a leaves longer than 1 m. The diameter of the outlet of such plants reaches 1.5 m. They often decorate winter gardens, suitable for very spacious apartments.

Compact forms have leaves 30-60 cm long. The diameter of the socket does not exceed 80 cm. The smallest view suitable for growing on the windowsill is Agave Queen Victoria. The diameter of its dense decorative socket does not exceed 30 cm.

Life expectancy

This is one of the most durable perennials-succulents. IN natural conditions Plant lives over 100 years.

Under the conditions of the city apartment, its life is much less. Errors in care, even behind such a unpretentious plant, can cause its premature death. But with the right room content, the life of the Agava is 50-70 years.

Accommodation in the apartment

For compact species and varieties the best place The apartment will be the southern windowsill. Here should be enough sun in winter and summer.

Large agaves perfectly fit into the interior of the solar spacious living room. You can keep succulent round year on a warmed, but not heated veranda.

Motherland Agava from South America to the south of North America. Very luxurious decorative plants, however, most species because of their large sizes Suitable for decorations of small flower beds and flower gardens.

Types and varieties of agave

Dwarf species or young flowers are grown as room colors. Agava has more than 50 species. The most common species are:

Agava American - large bluish-gray or gray-green leaves, in prosperous conditions can reach lengths of 1-1.2 m, with small spines, in the Caucasus reaches 2-3 meters in diameter.

On the edge of the leaves have straight or slightly bent dense brown teeth. The top of the Agava sheet is flat, and the bottom slightly convex. The inflorescence is a large tip whitewash, in large instances of 10 m and more, which has more than 10 thousand colors. Flowers are yellowish, about 7 cm in diameter.

I will hear that agawa blooms once a hundred years. But in fact, it blooms once in life, about aged 15 years, the Agava coloros carries numerous flowers in the brush or blizzard, after flowering the flower gradually dies, forming offens that are used for breeding.

Options for this species are mostly painted Agava leaves.

The leaves are very rigid, triangular or lanceal, 10-20 cm long and 3-6 cm wide with a short rigid brown tip on the top. Along the edges of the sheet there are thin white stripes that are pretty easily peeling white fibers.

Care for Agavo

Lighting for Agava

Lighting should be bright in the shade room flower does not need. The windowsill of the southern window of the room is best suited. In the summer, it is recommended to keep agaves in the sun, in the fresh air.

In winter, with low lighting, Agave is drawn up and loses its external appeal. In this regard, the flower is better to put on a well-lit place.

Watering Agava

In the summer, a moderate, but regular watering is required. Winter watering depends on the temperature of the flower content. If the agawa is contained in the relative coolness of 10 ° C, then watering should be rare, about once a week, so that the soil does not fully swam.

In the absence of the ability to keep the flower in winter in a cool place, and the agawa is contained at room temperature and higher, then watering must be 2-3 times a week. The soil must be filled in winter without having completely.

Agave Transplantation

Agava's young plants are transplanted annually, adults once every 2-3 years, it gives plants a pomp with years. The soil must contain 1 part of the sheet, 3 parts of the clay-turf and 1 part of the sand is a large river.

The agawa is multiplied with cuttings, grain and seeds.

Agave (Agave)

Family: Agave

Agave Agava. A perennial grassy sockets succulent plant with a short stem (or without it) and forming a root rosette, fleshy linear leaves, along the edges of which, as a rule, are located spikes. Characteristic feature Agave are their huge inflorescences. However, they only bloom 1 time in life, then dying.

Etymology

The name comes from agauos.That translated from Greek means "noble", "wonderful", "excellent" and received it in honor of Agave - the daughter of one of the ancient mythical kings.

Types and varieties of agave

The genus combines about 300 types of leafy succulents growing from the south of the USA to the tropical areas of South America. About 50 species can be used in culture.

The whole genus is divided into 2 trees:

Agava ( Agava.) - plants are distinguished by huge pyramidal inflorescences;

Litea ( Littaea.) - Plants with small rosettes of leaves, and inflorescences are similar to spikelets.

It is believed that agawa blooms on his 100th anniversary, but it is not so, the flowering of agave comes from large species for 30-40 years of life, in miniature after a couple of years, after which they all die, leaving behind numerous root offspring. However, some species instead of flowers on inflorescences appear young plants with roots that are capable of their own rooting.

Agava American, or aleacana aloe (Agave Americana)

Motherland - Mexico, however, the plant has grown well throughout the Mediterranean.

A major perennial succulent plant with powerful fleshy juicy leaves collected into a root rosette, the diameter of which in adult copies can reach 3 m.

The leaves are prostrated, curved, blue-green, up to 180 cm long, lanceal, with an extended base and the top ending the thick spinous edge. Along the edges of the sheet straight or slightly curved strong brown teeth. The top face is flat, lower - convex.

The inflorescence is a large assholes, the height of which can reach 10 or more meters, carrying 10 thousand flowers. Flowers bells yellowish, up to 7 cm in diameter. Porcellenus funneloid. After flowering and fruiting, the old socket dies off, and at the base for this time there are alarm-like shoots carrying daughter sockets at the ends.

Agava American cultural forms:

"Marginata" (commercial name: agawa striped)- Selection shape, roasting leaves thick, fleshy green with bright yellow or white edges, non-driving plants 60-100 cm high;

"Mediopicta" (Commercial name: Agave Peppercut) - Selection shape, leaves with a longitudinal wide central light yellow stripe, illuminating plants with a height of 60-100 cm;

"MEDIOPICTA ALBA"— with the central white stripe.

Agava Queen Victoria (Agave Victoriae-Reginae)

The form has a smaller outlet of a fairly correct ball shape compared to the previous view. Leaves are very hard, lanceal or narrow-degree, 10-12 cm long and 3-6 cm wide, all-wide with a short brown-yellow edge on the top at the bottom side of the cylinder, and in cross section Soft-walled. At the edges of the sheet and on the upper side there are thin white stripes.

Agava Queen Victoria (Agave Victoriae-Reginae)

Agawa King Ferdinandi (Agava Ferdinandi-Regis)

The view similar to the previous one, but distinguishing less than the leaves in the outlet and longer thermal spikes.

Agava drawn, or Agave Attenuata (Agave Attenuata)

A perennial plant with a stem length up to 1.5 m and a slid of thin succulent leaves to 70 cm long, gray-green color with a squeezed raid.

A distinctive feature is completely smooth edges of the leaves, without spikes.

Very spectacular I. interesting view With threads on the leaves - one of the most common in bedroom flowering. It has a spherical thick outlet of the leaves, without a pronounced stem. Long-terrible leaves, green, directed up. Gives many roasting offspring, which are easily separated, already with roots.

Rare cultural types of agave

Agava Avellanidens (Agava Avellanidens)

Pretty close-up with a rosette of light gray leaves with dark spines. The color is high, the flowers are collected in fluffy inflorescences of light yellow-green color, at the same time dissolve several inflorescences.

Agawa Drunkard, or Agava Potatorum (Agava Potatorum)

A miniature view with voposiform, gear on the edges of light green leaves with a blue uneven tap, as well as with multi-colored spikes (often red). It grows slowly, in the culture for a long time saves compact dimensions.

Very decorative look.

Agava UTAHENSIS

Miniature view of Agava, the size of the socket does not exceed 40 cm in diameter. The leaves are straight, with curved teeth along the edges are decorated with long terminal spikes.

Varieties of Agava Yutskaya:

nevadskaya(var. Nevadensis) I. elephant cosny-cooled (var. Eborispina.) - Different with smaller sizes of the socket and long wavy spikes.

Agava Tugaya, miniature form (Agava Stricta "Nana)

A shape with narrow straight bright yellowish-green leaves.

The view can be reproduced by roasting siblings.

Agava Dwarf (Agava Pumila)

A miniature, rare cultural view that retains a juvenile form for 10 years and has a socket of only 5-8 cm with a diameter consisting of 5-8 short wide thick light green leaves with small knobs along the edges and frequent thin stripes with outdoor Sheet sides.

Agava Titanic (Agava Titanota, Agave Sp. Fo 0-76)

A miniature view with wide dark green leaves, decorated with an embossed pattern and a light burned cat. The spikes along the edges of the leaves are also pretty decorative: large, light, curved shape, terminal spike darker and long.

Can give roasting offspring.

Agava Guttata (Agava Guttata)

View with an unusual leopard pattern on relatively narrow leaves.

A large plant with rather wide leaves covered with a silver wax.

Still in culture can be grown agava Schotta (Agava Schottii.), agava Latukovoid (Agava Lechuguilla.), or agava Leopold (Agava Leopoldii.), agava Wood-Voltchkovoy (Agava Xylonacantha.), agava Kolyuku (Agava Horrida.), huge agava Parry. (Agava Panyi.).

Care for Agavo

It grows well both at home and in cold oranges, where the winter temperature ranges from +8 to +6 ° C. Needs good lighting and some number of direct sun ray During the day, prefers the southern side. Summer is well putting on the street. In the spring and summer plants in the shading do not need.

Watering agaves in winter moderately, in the summer abundantly, in the intervals between irrigation giving the soil mixture in the container to dry. In spraying does not need. From spring to autumn, feeding fertilizers for cacti once every 2 weeks. Transplantation produced in 3-4 years by transshipment. Agaba is unpretentious, but it grows better in spacious pots, large specimens feel good in wooden cadkeys. When disembarking, it is necessary to ensure that the neck of the plant is slightly above the soil level. Drainage material Approximately 1/4 of the height of the container is filled. Soil mixture is used: ferry land, leaf land, sand (1: 1: 1).

When working with agaves, be extremely careful, because at the ends of their leaves, as a rule, there are very sharp spikes. Types such as Agave Striped and Agave is not recommended directly to grow in homes where there are children and pets.

Agava AFF. Parasana.

Possible problems arising when growing agave:

— brown plaques on the surface of the leaves and the stalks of Agava - Shields (these pests suck cell juice, the leaves are losing color, dry and fall). For mechanical cleaning from pests, the leaves are wiped with a soapy sponge, then the plant spray 0.15% accuters (1-2 ml per liter of water);

— yellowing Agave leaves - disadvantage of macroelements, resting plants (in summer), or lack of light, heat air, especially at night (autumn and winter);

— yellowing the ends of the leaves from Agava - excess calcium in the soil, dry earth coma;

— the appearance of the web on the plant — a web tick, which appears when too dry air - a web appears in the intercosions on the stems, the leaves become sluggish and fall. The plant is wiping with a soapy sponge and wash under the warm shower, regularly sprayed;

— loss of Turgora, Leaves Watch, Sightseed Green Leaves - insufficient watering, inconsistency of temperature conditions of content, especially in winter;

— the appearance of wrinkles on the leaves of Agava - the sudden action of the cold, or, in old leaves, lack of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus;

— yellowing the whole plant Agava - Strong punching or excess soil moisturizing, dry air, too heavy land or density of an earth coma, its airtightness, possibly the preparation of the plant to peace.

Reproduction of Agava

At home, multiply Agava can be multiple ways: siblings, cuttings of rhizomes, seeds. When separating the offspring formed at the base of the barrel, the slice is mounted. They transplanted into individual pots, in a slightly moistened soil mixture, to the watering start in 2-3 days. Up to complete rooting is watered cautiously, a thin trickle, so as not to blur the soil around the plant. Roots cuttings are cut off with such a calculation so that every one has at least one kidney, be sure to be allowed for a breakage by 2-3 hours, pounces wood coalthen planted in a pot with sand for rooting and water water room temperature. In the first year of the vegetation, young agaves form 4-6 leaves, on the second - 7-9, on the third - 10-12. Reproduction seeds requires a long time.

Our agawa is used as a decorative plant with flower decoration of gardens and parks, flower beds, for landscaping large rooms, winter gardens; Less often meets in room culture. Large copies of Agava spectacularly look in outdoor soil flower beds in conjunction with bright textiles. how potted plant You can use species different little sizes and slow growth. Agava is unpretentious, can grow both on the windowsill and in other sufficiently illuminated places.

In Mexico, Agawa is so common that the country received its name in her honor - "Place Agava."

In the rooms of Agava does not bloom, so it is often referred to as a mesenter, mistakenly believing that it blooms after 100 years. In fact, at home in the homeland in the open ground Agava American It blooms on the 10-15th year of life, in the oranges - in 20-30 years. But there are such species that really bloom after 100 years. The flowering of Agava American is unusually magnificently: it grows a long strong flowerpiece with a height of up to 10 m, carrying a huge inflorescence on the top of a candelabra, which has several thousand yellowish-white flowers. After flowering and ripening seeds in this inflorescence, there are bulbs, which over time develop into tiny agaves with leaves and roots. These babes fall on the ground, where they are rooted and soon turn into adult agaves.

From the leaves of many types of agaves make ropes, ropes, rugs, packaging and other coarse fabrics; From waste produce paper. Fiber agava Nitenosna The Indians were used as a thread for sewing, and with a finished needle at the end - her role was played by the wedding leaf of Agava, the sharp spine.

Agava "Kissho Kan"

Aztecs made from Agava product that brought at one time Agave special popularity - her sweet juice. Get it at the moment when the plant is going to bloom. The kidney from which the flower arrow should have been developed, cut out, leaving the hole in her place, in which the juice accumulates containing about 10% sugar. A day from each plant can be collected up to 5-7 liters, despite the fact that the period of the opening is about three months. The Aztecs were mined from the agave juice of sugar, cooked a pattern, but mostly fermented, getting a drink containing 4-8% of alcohol - a bullet. Later, the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, so that the collection of agave juice did not stop together with the disappearance of Aztec civilization. The Spaniards made an improvement in the process of using a bulk - distillation. A new, much stronger, agar drink got the name "Tequila" - now it can be purchased in our stores.

Ecology of housing

The volatile discharge of plants (phytoncides) have a disinfecting and increases the protective forces of the human body by action, reduce the amount of harmful microflora in closed rooms, enrich the medium with organic and mineral substances, increase the number of negative air ions, which contributes to cleansing it. The composition of the air under the influence of volatile secretions of Agava approaches the forest, in addition, in the room where the agawa is located, the number of harmful insects is sharply reduced.

Energy Agava

Agava has a very powerful energy. According to some specialists, this plant cannot be kept in the house at all, as people inevitably fall under his influence. However, in many cultures, Agave is considered the key to family happiness and peace in the house. It has a beneficial effect on the relationship between households, preventing quarrels and conflicts. In any case, this plant should not be placed in the bedroom or in the nursery. Ideal location - winter Garden or greenhouse, but many find the place of Agave in the living room.

Therapeutic properties of Agava

The chemical composition of Agava has been little studied, but in folk medicine, its leaves are used as disinfection, painful, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and expectorant. For therapeutic purposes, the leaves of plants that are not less than three years should be used. The most common use of agave leaves American in the treatment of radiculitis, Ishias. The treatment is made by rubbing the mezgi at night from grated on a frequent rubber sheet. It should be remembered that taking Agava inside follows in the diluted state, small doses or in the boiled form, so as not to get heavy burns of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The most famous and are used in medicine two types of agave - agava American and agava Sisalskaya (Agave Sisalana.). In the leaves of both species contain steroid saponins, which are used for the synthesis of steroid hormonal preparations. In China, substances that make up a new group of contraceptives are obtained from both species of agaves.

Agave originally from the deserted territories of North America. Views related to this type have a different size, leaves, like a flowering period. Agava is grown mainly due to decorative leavesAlthough their inflorescences are also beautiful, however, Agave flowers after a very long time (dozens of years). Worst of all that after flowering it dies. Fleshy, thick leaves collected in the outlets with sharp spikes. From the most famous species should be called: Agava American (Agave Americana) with thick, fleshy, wide, blue-green leaves, the inflorescences grow to 8 meters. The inflorescence consists of a huge number of colors with a yellowish tint. Its most famous varieties: Agaba american 'marginata', agave american 'marginata alba' with white stripes along the edges of the leaves, agawa american 'mediopicta' with a white stripe in the middle of the sheet. For growing at home, it is better to choose small plants from the genus Agava, for example, Agave Queen Victoria, whose sockets reach a diameter of up to 50 cm, agave nittens with a wide (3 cm) and long (up to 20 cm) leaves, agave paross, also with Wide leaves growing up to 30 cm, agawa mixed with narrow leaves (1.5 cm) and a more round form.

Growing

Agava requires fresh and warm air. Unpretentious plant And his only problem is wintering. During the summer, they can be endured to the street, especially high specimens. Agaves grow well indoors, spray them from time to time. In winter, Agava needs to be stored at a cool temperature in a bright room. High instances can be stored in a greenhouse, where the temperature should be 4-6 ° C. Smaller copies can be kept together with cactis also in a light and cool room. Agaves love fertile compost land or soil mixed with a lot of sand and gravel. Agava does not like a lot of moisture, so you need a well-permeable soil and good drainage. As for watering, in the summer we have to regret the water (watering abundantly), unlike the winter, when the earth must be dry. Poor soil slows down the growth of the plant. In winter, it is better not to fertilize. Transplantation Depending on the need for spring. The reproduction of Agava is done very simply, cut off the lower offs, which cut as closer to the parent plant, and then plant a substrate. In addition, Agava can be raised from seeds.

Notes

Agava is a very strong and stable plant, therefore it is little susceptible to diseases and pests. The problem that may occur is the fiction of the leaves, is a consequence excessive irrigation, especially in winter.