Agave 'Kissho Kan' (Lucky Crown Century Plant)

Scientific Name

Agave ‘Kissho Kan’

Common Names

Lucky Crown Century Plant

Synonyms

Agave ‘Kichiokan’, Agave potatorum ‘Variegata’, Agave potatorum ‘Kichijokan’

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 up to 15 inches (37.5 cm) tall and up to 18 inches (45 cm) wide, slowly offsetting clump. 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 zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

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. If, however, you’re 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’s also best to handle your Agave 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… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Agave