I was gifted a few Agave pups, 'bare root' . . . but, their roots appear to be missing their outer layer. (north, south)

[2Q&Lrn&Hlp]

What remains of their roots look & feel almost like wires.

That isn't normal, is it . . . Aren't they supposed to have succulent roots?

There was a little bit of what appeared to be an outer membrane partially attached to one root.

I assume that I need to cut these roots off,
so they won't cause the rest of the plant to get infected, or rot.

Am I correct in that assumption?

Assuming that I am . . . Will it re-root?

[TheDragonslayer]

As long as you have the base of the agave, it will take. Every single agave I have planted with just barely any root crown has taken with a vengeance.

[2Q&Lrn&Hlp]

So . . . I am right about these roots needing to be cut off . . . ?

If so, do I also need to wait a few days for the cuts to heal over, before replanting them?

[TheDragonslayer]

Originally Posted by 2Q&Lrn&Hlp

So . . . I am right about these roots needing to be cut off . . . ?

If so, do I also need to wait a few days for the cuts to heal over, before replanting them?

It will not hurt to cut the roots back, will encourage better overall root spread. Let them sit a day or two, will not hurt them and will dry the ends off, put them in good draining sandy soil and water well. I have transplanted agaves as large as 2 feet across and cut all the lower leaves off and the roots to fit a pot till it rooted well, had no problem. Sometimes the pieces of root will even make their own plants, so toss them behind a compost bin to see if that happens.

just noticed that you are south west and desert. I am Pacific north west coast and have no problem starting any agave.

[2Q&Lrn&Hlp]

Originally Posted by TheDragonslayer

It will not hurt to cut the roots back, will encourage better overall root spread. Let them sit a day or two, will not hurt them and will dry the ends off, put them in good draining sandy soil and water well. I have transplanted agaves as large as 2 feet across and cut all the lower leaves off and the roots to fit a pot till it rooted well, had no problem. Sometimes the pieces of root will even make their own plants, so toss them behind a compost bin to see if that happens.

just noticed that you are south west and desert. I am Pacific north west coast and have no problem starting any agave.

Another question I should have asked . . .

They were brought in pots with dirt in them, I thought they were IN the soil, but found they had just been set atop it. I was in a hurry then, and without thinking, quickly put them into the soil. Is there some way I should clean or sanitize them before cutting the roots off, to avoid contamination?