Description
Agave potatorum forma compatta is a dwarf cultivated form that grows eventually up 20(-30) cm cm tall and in diameter. It is a compact miniature rosette
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 shows noticeable leaf imprinting.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin selected cultivar.
Cultivation and Propagation
Agave potatorum forma compatta is a easy-to-grow species, but isn’t a super fast grower. It grows as a solitary symmetrical rosette, but may produces a few plantlets around its perimeter.
Soils: Grow it in porous soil with adequate drainage.
Light requirements: It does well in full sun or a lightly shaded area.
Waterings: 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.
Hardiness: It is supposed to be 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 seeds or 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.
Uses: 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.