Description
Agave potatorum is a dwarf growing species that has very variable features. Some are medium sized plant that grows eventually up to 40 cm tall and 40 cm in diameter while others (called Butterfly Agave) are small-sized (20 -30 cm) and highly prized in Japan.
The cultivar Shoji-Raijin (sometime called the ‘Silver Star’ or ‘Blue rose’) is a magnificent miniature rosette of plump leaves that stay very small and compact. It has been selected in Japan, and is a unique miniature that produces offsets and forms a small clump of 6-7 cm rosettes. Mature plants stays in 10 cm pots only.
Leaves: Wide, thick, striking dusty-blue with few short spines and terminate in a distinctive, slightly twisted, reddish spine. The leaf margins display pronounced swellings at the base of the teeth. Usually the leaves do not shows noticeable leaf imprinting.
Variegated forms: Two variegated forms are known in cultivation, “marginata” whit a creamy or pale-green irregular stripe on the edge of the leaf and “mediopicta” with a broad white band down the centre of each leaf.
Origin and Habitat
Garden form known only in cultivation.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cultural requirements are similar to those of other Agave potatorum. They grow very symmetrically and stay in small containers, they need well-drained mixes and filtered sun or light shade exposures. Water regularly during the growing season allowing to dry between waterings; but be careful as heavy watering may result in some leaf cracking.
They are not as cold-hardy as many of the more northerly-occurring species. They’re sensitive to frost and may be damaged if not protected.
Propagation: Exclusively by suckers (if available)