Agave 'Kissho Kan' (Lucky Crown Century Plant)

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'

Scientific Classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave

Description

Agave 'Kissho Kan' is an evergreen, perennial succulent, forming a stunningly symmetrical rosette. The rosette makes a perfect container specimen, forming a slowly offsetting clump up to 15 inches (37.5 cm) tall and up to 18 inches (45 cm) wide. The leaves are thick, rigid, soft, silver-blue to blue-green, bordered in creamy-white, while the leaf spines emerge yellow, then change to light brown and age to a dark cinnamon color.

Photo via villagenurseries.com

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 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.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.