Scientific Name
Agave 'Kissho Kan'
Common Names
Lucky Crown Century Plant, Dwarf Variegated Butterfly Agave
Synonyms
Agave 'Kichiokan', Agave potatorum 'Variegata', Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan Marginata', Agave potatorum 'Kichijokan', Agave potatorum 'Kicchiokan', Agave potatorum 'Kissho Kan'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave 'Kissho Kan' is a succulent plant that forms stunningly symmetrical rosettes of silver-blue to blue-green leaves bordered in creamy-white. The individual rosette makes a perfect container specimen, creating a slowly offsetting clump up to 15 inches (37.5 cm) tall and 18 inches (45 cm) wide. Leaves are thick, soft, rigid, with spines that emerge yellow, then change to light brown and age to a dark cinnamon color.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 injure small children and even pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and 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 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.
Origin
This succulent is a magnificent Japanese selection.
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
