Description
This is a sport selected by Gary Hammer from a normal Agave x leopoldii discovered in Mexico, with its spiky leaves covered with numerous curling threads. But the leaves are slightly elongated with a golden stripe down their edges. It forms a 20 cm x 30 cm wide clump of 7 mm wide bayonet-like, dark green leaves, each edged with a chartreuse border, then covered in curly white hairs. This cultivar does offset only occasionally, unlike both of its parents.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin.
Cultivation and Propagation
It is an easy-to-grow plant often grown as a houseplant.
Growth rate: Plants have a moderate growth rate and form clumps given the best conditions.
Soil: They are tolerant of most soils, but do best in very well-drained, sandy or gravely soil. As ornamental they are also grown in containers where they stay much smaller than their outdoor brethren. In pots they need a very porous mix soil (e.g. 2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam to 1 part of pumice).
Exposure: They do well in full sun or a lightly shaded area with afternoon shade. Plants cultivated outdoors are drought tolerant and takes blasting heat and full sun.
Repotting: Use pot with good drainage.
Watering: It grows fairly fast in summer if provided with copious water but allows to dry thoroughly before watering again. During the winter months, one should only water enough to keep the leaves from shriveling. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Fertilization: They grows quickly if kept well nourished with a slow release fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents applied once or twice a year in the spring and summer (poor in nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements.
Hardiness: It is theoretically hardy to -7° C, particularly when dry. Keep it in a cool area in winter and put it out on the balcony or patio in summer. It is damaged from early morning overhead watering in the winter. The water froze resulting in pockmarks on the leaves.
Scenography: It is quite versatile. Because of its symmetrical form and relatively small size, this plant is very attractive when grown in pots. Plants can be grouped together or planted among boulders in a rock or cactus garden. It is great in small pots or nestled into a rock crevice. They work well with perennials.
Traditional uses: The sap of is fermented to make a light alcoholic Mexican drink called ‘pulque’. Rope, food, soap and other products are also made from the fibers and pulp.
Warning: It is armed with sharp spines.
Propagation: By micro-propagation or suckers which often are found growing around the base of the plant. Remove the basal suckers (if available) in spring or summer and let the cuttings dry for a few days before inserting in compost or by seed.
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