Scientific Name
Agave mitis var. albidior (Salm-Dyck) B.Ullrich
Common Names
White Agave
Synonyms
Agave albicans, Agave celsii var. albicans, Agave concinna, Agave micracantha var. albicans, Agave micracantha var. albidior, Agave mitis var. albicans, Agave ousselghemiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave mitis var. albidior is a succulent that forms rosettes of bluish-green or grayish-grin leaves that gracefully curve upwards. The rosettes grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall with an equal diameter. Leaves are fleshy, 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 on the edges. The flower spike is up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and bears yellowish-green to purplish flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 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 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, 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 as that will encourage stem rot during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
This variety is native to the Mexican states of Hidalgo, Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosí.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
