Viewing post #1186521 by Baja_Costero

You are viewing a single post made by Baja_Costero in the thread called ID needed: Agave? Aloe? Other? What species or cultivar?.
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Jun 18, 2016 10:54 AM CST
Name: Baja
Baja California (Zone 11b)
Cactus and Succulents Seed Starter Xeriscape Container Gardener Hummingbirder Native Plants and Wildflowers
Garden Photography Region: Mexico Plant Identifier Forum moderator Plant Database Moderator Garden Ideas: Level 2
Very nice variegated agave.

I can't help with a positive ID but it is not Agave americana (which makes much bigger leaves) or "Kissho Kan" (which makes much smaller leaves, like an artichoke), unless it's stretching. For the record the name "Kichijokan" applies to the blue, non-variegated form and the similar two-word moniker applies to a variegated form of the same plant. This info from Greg Starr's recent agave book which devotes a chapter to each.

If you want to spend some time with a nice photo set of variegated agaves, try this page.

http://www.plantdelights.com/P...

Assuming average commercial greenhouse conditions, the plant might be accustomed to about 50% shade. You could aim for about the same level of filtered light if possible, or give the plant some morning sun. No midday sun this time of year until the plant has had a chance to ramp up gradually over the course of several weeks. Until the agave has a proper root system, it will be vulnerable to too much direct sun. At this size it will be quite sensitive regardless.

Typically when I start small agave offsets the size of the one in the picture, I use a larger pot, like 4 inches for starters. The reason for this is that the soil holds onto a bit more water and does not spend most of its time dry, like very small pots tend to do (especially in any amount of sun). Either way is fine but there's less attention and effort required for watering when pots are not so small. There is something of a myth out there that agaves like small pots. Some do but most seem to enjoy a chance to stretch out in my experience.
Last edited by Baja_Costero Jun 18, 2016 11:05 AM Icon for preview

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