Scientific Name
Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba'
Common Name(s)
White-striped Century Plant
Synonym(s)
Agave americana var. mediopicta 'Alba', Agave americana var. medio-picta 'Alba', Agave americana f. medio-picta alba
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Origin
Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba' is a white-striped cultivar of Agave americana.
Description
Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba' is a beautiful variegated succulent that forms rosettes of leaves with a wide creamy-white central stripe and blue-green margins. The rosettes can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall and 6 feet (1.8 m) in diameter. The leaves have recurved spines on the margins and a long terminal spine.
The flowers are yellow-green. The rosette does not bloom until a decade or so old and dies after flowering.
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 sharp thorns that can injure small children and pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and take a long time 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 to encourage stem rot during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
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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