gave potatorum ‘Variegata'

🌵 Name

Agave potatorum ‘Variegata’
(often sold as Kichiokan / variegated Butterfly Agave)

🌱 Description

• Type: Compact, slow-growing agave

• Form: Tight rosette with thick, triangular leaves

• Color: Blue-green leaves with creamy white variegation (sectoral/banded)

• Spines: Small reddish-brown marginal teeth and a short terminal spine

• Size: Usually 15–30 cm wide in pots

• Growth habit: Solitary to slowly offsetting (variegates offset less)

Your plant’s chunky leaves, sharp margins, and creamy variegation clearly point to Agave potatorum variegata rather than Echeveria or Aloe.

☀️ Care Guide (Best for Indian Climate)

Light

• Bright light to full sun

• Morning sun is ideal; protect from harsh afternoon sun in peak summer

• Good light keeps variegation strong and compact

Water

• Water only when soil is fully dry

• Summer: every 7–10 days

• Winter: every 3–4 weeks
  ⚠️ Overwatering = root & crown rot

Soil

Fast-draining is critical:

• 50–60% pumice / gravel / coarse sand

• 20–30% garden soil

• 10–20% compost or cocopeat

Pot

• Always use a drainage hole

• Terracotta pots preferred

• Keep slightly tight in pot for better form

Temperature

• Ideal: 20–38°C

• Heat tolerant, but avoid water during cold & humid weather

Fertilizer

• Once in growing season

• Low-nitrogen cactus/agave feed (¼–½ strength)

🌼 Flowering

• Flowers once in its lifetime (after many years)

• Tall flower spike → plant slowly declines after blooming

🌱 Propagation

• Offsets (pups) when available

• Let pups callous before planting

• Seed propagation not recommended for variegates

⚠️ Common Issues

• Rot: Poor drainage or excess watering

• Sun scorch: Sudden exposure to strong summer sun

• Reversion: Fully green pups may appear—remove if you want variegation

✅ Collector Tip

Variegated Agave potatorum is slow, premium, and drought-hardy—perfect for rock gardens, balconies, and high-end succulent collections.