Yes... water from below. My Agaves are raised up about 10-12 inches and the soil is a well draining silty loam. A layer of gravel on top of that which promotes drainage by keeping the soil from crusting. I'm confident water will drain away nicely but it will undoubtedly still be moist down there.
I did notice that the water pooling in two of my Agaves is now gone even though it's raining daily. Almost as if the Agaves purposely flexed their leaves in reaction to cool, wet conditions.
I did pick cultivars recommended by local nurserymen who grow and/or and recommend these varieties. With the exception of 'Truncata' which was my first (and most uninformed) acquisition chosen only for its reasonable cold hardiness and knockout good looks. I know, I know... wrong reasons. On the other hand Agave Ovatifolia is recommended by local nurseries Cistus, Rare Plant Research and Blooming Junction.
It will surely be an interesting winter although quite possibly disappointing.
