Scientific Name
Agave potatorum Zucc.
Common Name(s)
Butterfly Agave
Synonym(s)
Agave amoena, Agave auricantha, Agave elegans, Agave latifolia, Agave pulchra, Agave quadrata, Agave saundersii, Agave schnittspahnii, Agave scolymus, Agave verschaffeltii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Origin
This species is native to the partial desert areas of Mexico from Puebla south to Oaxaca.
Description
Agave potatorum is a succulent that forms compact and symmetrical rosettes of broad, glaucous blue-gray leaves with short reddish-brown marginal spines on tubercle-like prominences and a longer, often somewhat wavy terminal spine. The rosettes grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter, solitary or slowly clumping. Leaves are up to 18 inches (45 cm) long, slightly reflexed back near the tips. The terminal spine is one inch (2.5 cm) long. The mature rosette produces a flower spike that can reach 20 feet (6 m) in height when fully developed and bears pale green or yellow flowers tinged with red and subtended with red bracts.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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. On the other hand, if you're 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 very slowly and 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 repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and ensure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Varieties and Cultivars
- Agave potatorum var. verschaffeltii
- Agave potatorum 'Cameron Blue'
- Agave potatorum 'Cubic'
- Agave potatorum' Eye Scream'
- Agave potatorum 'Shoji-Raijin'
- Agave potatorum 'Snowfall'
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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