Publication: Vilm. Blumengärtn., ed. 3. 1: 1037. 1895
Description
The name Agave americana var. picta (= Agave ingens) has been variously used to indicate a number of varieties, segregated largely on the basis of the yellow or whitish striations. This variegated forms are inconstant in their colour patterns. What should we call a variant that has a yellow central stripe (media-picta) and is also lined with yellow stripes along the margins is often called striata. These plants appear as inconstant changeable forms from one generation to the next and are hardly worth varietal designations. However, the names are convenient for agave fanciers, census takers, or others for distinguishing and discussing their collections and so on. A. picta is only a variety of Agave americana.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin. The wild species came from arid areas of Mexico.
Cultivation and Propagation
This is a very nice cultivar but it is relatively slow to grow and propagate, it tend to do less well than the standard blue-grey species plant, hence the price. They do well in full sun or a lightly shaded area.
In winter watering this plant can be done once every 1-2 months, there is no need to mist the leaves. Agave americana is theoretically hardy to -9° C , particularly when dry but this cultivar is more tender and it is best to avoid severe freezing temperatures.
Propagation: Exclusively by suckers Remove the basal suckers (if available) in spring or summer and let the cuttings dry for a few days before inserting in compost.
Use:: These striking plants are wonderful when used for accent or simply to provide some all year round foliage colour and often used in a pot as a patio plant, they make an eye-catching statement and along with other evergreen plants in pots, can be moved around to change the scenery or position to give more shelter.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
- Gentry, H. S. “Agaves of continental North America.” 1982.