Agave americana 'Marginata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Scientific Name

Agave americana 'Marginata'

Common Names

Variegated Century Plant, Yellow Margin Century Plant

Synonyms

Agave americana var. marginata

Scientific Classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave

Description

Agave americana 'Marginata' is a large, rosette-forming succulent, up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and up to 8 feet (2.4 m) wide, with upright, slightly wavy, gray-green leaves with strong, cream to yellow margins. The leaves are up to 5 feet (1.5 m) long and up to 10 inches (25 cm) wide. It has yellow-green flowers, but plants do not bloom until they are several decades or so old and the plant dies after flowering.

Photo via altitudetropicale.forums-actifs.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Agaves are not difficult plants to grow. They are slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you are the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you are the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might the way to go. Be aware that some of the large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes very sharp thorns that can cause injuries to small children and even pets.

In general, Agave do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plant as little as possible, since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot. However, be careful not to pot the Agave too deep as that will encourage stem rot during the growing season… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Agave