Description
It is the dwarf, small growing, variegated form of Agave istmensis (potatorum). This cultivar is also found under a few different names such as: Agave istmensis f. compacta mediopicta, or with the Japanese names Agave isthmensis cv. Orhi Razin Shirifukurin, Ouhi-Raiji or symply Hoi. Other names include: Agave potatorum cv. Ouhi-Raijin variegata. It shoots off pups/offsets readily as the mother plant matures.
Stem: Acaulescent.
Rosettes:Compact, looking like a rose buds, that grows to only 5-7 cm tall by about 9-12 cm wide.
Leaves: Essentially smooth light blue-grey-green to olive green, very broadly triangular, with a short non prickly apical spine, openly concave (spoon-shaped), margined with with short somewhat flexible spine, from purple-chestnut becoming dull gray-brown. Each lef has a broad white cream white band on the center. The margins occasionally have a seasonal slight flush of red at the leaf tip and base. Marginal spines are well spaced.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery selected cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
It is a smal specimen plant for containers. It tend to be slow grower, but worth the effort. Grow it in porous soil with adequate drainage. Itdo well in full sun or a lightly shaded area. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. In winter watering this plant can be done once every 1-2 months, there is no need to mist the leaves. It is theoretically hardy to -3° C, particularly when dry but it is best to avoid severe freezing temperatures. Heat Tolerance: good
Propagation: Relatively easy to propagate by suckers (if available) Remove the basal suckers in spring or summer and let the cuttings dry for a few days before inserting in compost.. only problem is the logistics of getting to the suckers - very sharp spines and suckers usually right up against, or underneath the mother plant.
