Scientific Name
Agave americana 'Mediopicta'
Common Name(s)
Yellow-striped Century Plant
Synonym(s)
Agave americana var. mediopicta, Agave americana var. medio-picta, Agave americana subsp. mediopicta
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave americana 'Mediopicta' is a highly ornamental succulent with variegated leaves. This cultivar is smaller than Agave americana. The rosette can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) in height and 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter. The leaves are slightly recurved and twisted, with strong yellow variegation in the middle. In addition, they have recurved spines on the margins and a long terminal spine.
The rosette does not bloom until a decade or so old (not a century!), and it dies after flowering. The yellow-green flowers appear on a tall and stout stalk, branched near the top.
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 be the way to go. Be aware that some 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, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most species commonly found in cultivation grow slowly and take long to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plants as little as possible since they do not like to be disturbed. When repot, refresh the spent soil with a 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 this will encourage stem rot during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba' is a yellow-striped cultivar of Agave americana.
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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