Propagating Agaves Through Coring

Most agaves will send pups throughout their life which can be easily dug up and transplanted. Some agave species like Agave oatitfolia (Whales Tongue) or (Blue Glow Agave) won't pup out under normal conditions. These varieties ensure survival of future generations by producing a large flower before their death. The flower that carries seeds and or small pups. Waiting for the seeds or pups often takes 10 plus years so forcing the agaves to pup out by coring is a much quicker method. 

This is a small whale tongue agave ready for coring

In order to quickly core the agave, it is best to use a drill and saw

First start by taking off one side of leafs. The new pups will come out of the stock on the leafless side. 

Then cut off the center where new leafs emerge

The last step is to drill in the center until you feel the drill hitting the bottom where the roots start. The new pups will emerge within a month.