Scientific Name
Agave mitis var. albidior (Salm-Dyck) B.Ullrich
Synonym(s)
Agave celsii var. albicans, Agave concinna, Agave macrantha var. concinna, Agave micrantha var. albidior, Agave mitis var. albicans
Common Names
White Agave
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Etymology
The specific epithet "mitis" (pronounced "MIT-iss") means "mild," "gentle," or "soft". It refers to the relatively mild, less aggressive leaf armature of this species compared with that of many other Agaves.
The varietal epithet "albidior" (pronounced "al-BID-ee-or") means "more whitish; paler" and refers to the paler, more whitish or glaucous leaves of this plant compared to the typical form of Agave mitis.
Hybrids of Agave mitis var. albidior
Origin of Agave mitis var. albidior
Agave mitis var. albidior is native to Mexico (Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí). It is not accepted as a separate variety and is treated as a synonym of Agave mitis.
Description of Agave mitis var. albidior
Agave mitis var. albidior is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of fleshy, broad, whitish-green leaves that gracefully curve upwards. The rosettes can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, while the leaves can measure up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. They appear unarmed but have a soft terminal spine and small, backward-curving, brown spines along the edges.
The flower spike grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, bearing yellowish-green to purplish flowers.
How to Grow and Care for Agave mitis var. albidior
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 cause injuries to small children and even pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most species commonly found in cultivation grow 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 being 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 deeply, as this can 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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