Scientific Name
Agave potatorum 'Eye Scream'
Common Name(s)
Variegated Butterfly Agave
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave potatorum 'Eye Scream' is a small succulent that forms an open, beautifully symmetrical rosette of blue-gray leaves with broad, cream-colored edges. It is about half the size of the similarly colored Agave potatorum 'Snowfall'. The rosette can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height and 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter, usually solitary or offsetting sparingly. The leaves have well-spaced, sharp, red teeth on large teats along the margins and a long red terminal spine. They are up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.
Origin
Agave potatorum 'Eye Scream' is a variegated cultivar of Agave potatorum. Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina received this plant from a nursery in Thailand in 2008, and lacking a name, he gave it the moniker "Eye Scream" when he began selling it in 2015. This plant is also sold as Agave potatorum 'Bluewinds' or Agave potatorum 'Blue Winds'.
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. If, however, 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 slowly and take long 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 repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot.
See 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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