Agave potatorum
Also known as: Butterfly agave
The butterfly agave: broad, short, grey leaves with deeply imprinted red-brown margins — compact and ornamental. It comes from Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla), stays around Rosette 30–60 cm, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; protect below 0 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Agave
- Origin: Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla)
- Mature size: Rosette 30–60 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; protect below 0 °C
- Toxicity: Spines sharp
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Agave
- Origin
- Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla)
- Mature size
- Rosette 30–60 cm
- Growth habit
- Small broad spoon-leaved rosette
- Leaf colour
- Blue-grey broad leaves with red-brown imprinted margins
- Flower colour
- Red-yellow (monocarpic)
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; protect below 0 °C
- Toxicity
- Spines sharp
- Other names
- Butterfly agave
About the Agave potatorum
The butterfly agave: broad, short, grey leaves with deeply imprinted red-brown margins — compact and ornamental. Frost-tender; a collector favourite.
Care and cultivation
Full sun, sharp drainage and space. Many are monocarpic — the rosette flowers once and dies, leaving pups. Eye protection near spined species. Light: Full sun to very bright light. Water: Every 2–3 weeks in summer; little in winter. Soil: Extremely gritty mineral mix.
Description
Agave potatorum is a Agave succulent from Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla). The butterfly agave: broad, short, grey leaves with deeply imprinted red-brown margins — compact and ornamental. Frost-tender; a collector favourite.
Identification
Key identification features: Blue-grey broad leaves with red-brown imprinted margins leaves in a Small broad spoon-leaved rosette form, reaching Rosette 30–60 cm. Also known as Butterfly agave. Nickname: 'Butterfly agave'. Nickname: 'Butterfly agave'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Agave potatorum?
Every 2–3 weeks in summer; little in winter. Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.
Is Agave potatorum toxic to pets?
Spines sharp. Considered safe around pets.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Agave potatorum, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.