Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ is quick-growing, spineless, and soft-leaved, marking it an outlier among spiny and slow-growing agave. It also has yellow variegation along its bright green leaves, likely leading to its common name. Although it rarely flowers, the agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ is growing quickly and will produce many times, making it a useful accent cultivar in containers, beds, and borders.
How to Water Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’?
In summer, agave desmetiana ‘Variegata”s growing season, watering amount and frequency can be slightly increased. Once fall begins, reduce watering as the plant’s growth rate slows down. It is better to keep the potting soil dry at this time. If the temperature falls to 10 ℃ in winter, it will enter dormancy. If this happens, stop watering and be sure to keep it warm to ensure it survives winter. Start watering again when the temperature rises above 20 ℃ in spring.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’?
Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ requires a well-lit and well-ventilated environment. If there is insufficient light in the environment, the plant will grow slowly and poorly in a loose shape. Over a long period of time, the generation of chlorophyll will also be affected, resulting in the leaves losing luster and turning yellow and white. Some variegated varieties need to be properly shaded in summer. Otherwise, strong sunlight will burn the leaves, leaving spots on them. These burnt spots are irreversible and will affect the plant’s visual appeal.
In winter, sunlight intensity is relatively weaker, even outdoors. This means you must pay special attention to these changes in the plant’s environment. The plant should be placed where there is enough sunlight even in winter. Providing such good conditions will benefit agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ in its ability to overwinter safely.
What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’?
Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ is native to the arid and semi-arid tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere. It likes a warm and dry environment and has an adaptable growth temperature of 15 to 25 ℃. At night, it grows best at a temperature of 10 to 16 ℃. A cold and dry winter is beneficial to its reproduction, however, the temperature in winter should be kept above 5 ℃.
Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ is naturally very strong and does not require much water. During the growth period in summer, however, plenty of water and ventilation should be provided. Gradually reduce the amount of water provided after fall begins and reduce watering even further during dormancy in winter.
What Soil is Best for Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’?
Soil pH: 6-8
Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ should be planted in soil that is loose, fertile, has good drainage, and is mixed with mold and coarse sand. This fulfills the plant’s requirements for looseness, permeability of water and air, supply of nutrients, etc. The matrix and ratio for reference are 2/5 Leaf mold + 3/10 pine needle soil + 1/5 coarse sand + 1/10 bone meal.
The soil proportions can also be adapted to the environment where the plant is planted. If the environment is rainy and humid, the proportion of coarse sand can be increased to endure good drainage and avoid root rot caused by the accumulation of water at the roots. If the environment is dry with little rain, the proportion of leaf mold can be increased to maintain moisture in the soil so that the roots will not wither due to dryness.
How to Fertilize Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’?
It’s best to fertilize agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ during the growing season, which generally lasts from spring to summer. The fertilization frequency is once a month. Under normal circumstances, the best ratio of nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer is 3:3:2. Liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer can be used with a low concentration level; high levels are detrimental to the growth of agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’. Fertilization is generally not necessary at the end of fall and in early winter. With the drop in temperature, the plant will gradually slow its growth and may enter dormancy, with no need for fertilizer.
How to Prune Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’?
As new leaves grow, the lower leaves will gradually yellow and finally dry. Removing the old leaves promptly will keep agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ looking good. Leaves that are infected with pests and diseases should be trimmed to prevent infecting healthy leaves.
How to Propagate Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’?
The most common propagation method for agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ is division, which is usually carried out during growing seasons or when repotting. Carefully remove shoots that have sprouted from the leaves of the plant. If a removed shoot has roots and no wound at its base, it can be planted directly into a pot. If a removed shoot has no roots or has a wound, it will need to be placed in a cool and well-ventilated environment for about 5 days for the wound to fully dry and heal. After that, plant it in soil with good drainage and ventilation. It will generally take root in 10 days and survive.
It takes a long time for agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ to grow from a seedling to a flowering plant. Generally, when flowering, agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ will grow one or many long flower spikes. When the flowers are about to die, a cluster of seedlings will very often grow at the top of the spike. These can be harvested and replanted.
Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ can also be propagated by sowing, but it’s uncommon because it requires a long time to grow from a seedling to an adult plant. Additionally, cross-pollination is required to breed seeds. Seeds can be collected and sowed in spring and will take about 10 days to germinate. As long as the temperature is suitable, the germination rate of agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ is high and seedlings are easy to manage.
How to Plant Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’?
Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ has a high germination rate through sowing, which is usually carried out in spring. The optimum temperature for seed germination is no less than 15 ℃ at night and around 30 ℃ during the day. If the temperature falls below 10 ℃ at night and 20 ℃ during the day, the rate of seed germination will be greatly reduced. After sowing, you must cover the surface of the pot with plastic wrap to preserve the warmth and moisture within. After 7 – 10 days, seedlings will emerge.
Agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ grows slowly, so there is no need for frequent repotting. Large particles such as ceramsite with a diameter of about 1 cm can be laid at the bottom of the pot to prevent water accumulation and root rot. Plant in pots with good permeability, such as earthenware. The size of the pot should be 2-3 times the size of the plant to ensure that there is enough space and soil fertility for agave desmetiana ‘Variegata’ to grow.
