Scientific Name
Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor'
Synonym(s)
Agave kerchovei 'Pectinata', Agave lophantha "Goshikibandai', Agave univittata 'Quadricolor'
Common Name(s)
Quadricolor Century Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Etymology
The specific epithet "lophantha" (pronounced "low-FAN-tha") means "crest-flowered" or "tuft-flowered." It likely refers to the appearance of the flowers on the spike, which have prominent stamens that extend outward. When the flowers are densely packed along the tall flowering spike, they create a tufted ridge resembling a crest.
The cultivar epithet 'Quadricolor' (pronounced "KWAD-ri-kol-or") means "four-colored; having four colors" and refers to the four-toned variegation of the leaves of this cultivar.
Origin of Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor'
Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor' is a variegated cultivar of Agave lophantha.
Description of Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor'
Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor', also known as Agave univittata 'Quadricolor', is an attractive succulent that forms rosettes of dark green leaves with yellow edges and a pale green midstripe. The rosettes can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, slowly producing offsets around the base and forming a clump over time. The leaves are lance-shaped with a small terminal spine and margins lined with dark reddish teeth. The yellow marginal stripes take on a red hue in full sun, giving the leaves four distinct colors.
Flowering has not been observed to date.
How to Grow and Care for Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10°F (-12.2°C) to 40°F (4.4°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 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 injure small children and 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 ensure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot. However, do not 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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