Scientific Name
Agave potatorum var. verschaffeltii (Lem. ex Jacobi) A.Berger
Common Name(s)
Butterfly Agave
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave potatorum var. verschaffeltii is a succulent plant that forms symmetrical rosettes of broad, blue-grey to silvery-grey leaves with a long terminal spine and short marginal spines on pronounced tubercle-like prominences. It grows solitary or slowly clumping. The rosettes are up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall with an equal diameter. Leaves are up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and have distinct showy bud imprints. Flowers are light green, tinged with red, and subtended with red bracts. They appear on up to 16.5 feet (5 m) tall flower spike.
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 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'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
Origin
This variety is native to partial desert areas of Mexico from Puebla south to Oaxaca.
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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