Verschaffelt agave

Also known as: toper's agave

A variable species, in terms of colour and habit, but is generally a solitary or slowly clump-forming species forming a compact and symmetrical rosette of light green to blue-grey, glaucous foliage with reddish-brown marginal spines and a larger, twisted spine at the leaf-tip. Stems are monocarpic, producing flowers and seeds only once on reaching maturity and then dying. Flower spikes can be 3-5m with light green flowers tinged with red and with red bracts

Scientific classification

Species: Verschaffelt agave (Agave potatorum)
Genus: Agave
Family: Asparagaceae

Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Cactus Succulent · Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 4-8 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Verschaffelt agave pictures

Distribution of Verschaffelt agave

Distribution map

Mexico

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of Verschaffelt agave

Information to be completed

Verschaffelt agave care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks spring through summer growth

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or remove offsets

Growing

Grow in sharply-draining or cactus compost in full light. Water freely in summer, but allow compost to become dry in before watering again. Give a low-nitrogen feed three or four times during the growing period. Water less in autumn and keep cool and dry in winter. Provide winter protection, or grow in a container and overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

More growing and care information →