Scientific Name
Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'
Synonym(s)
Agave bracteosa f. marginata alba
Common Name(s)
Frosted Candelabrum Agave, Variegated Octopus Agave, Variegated Squid Agave
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Origin
Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' is a variegated cultivar of Agave bracteosa.
Description
Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' is a beautiful succulent that forms rosettes of narrow, arching, pale-green leaves with wide, creamy-white margins. The rosettes can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall and 1.5 feet (45 cm) in diameter, and produce offsets around the base as they age. The leaves are pliable, have a sandpapery texture, and are unarmed.
The mature rosettes produce a spike that bears small pale yellow to cream-colored flowers, usually in summer. The floer stalk can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. The rosettes die after flowering.
How to Grow and Care for Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They're slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you're the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. However, if you want 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 injure small children and even pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It's also best to handle your Agave as little as possible, since they do not like being disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot.
See 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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