Origin and Natural Habitat
While the exact wild origin of Agave desmettiana is debated, it is widely believed to be native to Mexico, specifically the Sinaloa and Veracruz regions.
Plant Characteristics
Agave desmettiana f. variegata produces soft, pliable leaves of a beautiful bright yellow with thin margins of green chlorophyll. The leaf margins are smooth, ending in a single, reddish-brown terminal spine. A mature rosette can reach roughly 60cm to 90cm in both height and width.
Care Guide
Light
This Agave species prefers semi-shade, or lightly filtered sun. In cultivation, a maximum of 40% shade cloth is recommended. This encourages stronger colouration and a more compact growth form while preventing sun damage. Do not plant in shade.
Soil
Agave desmettiana prefers a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well, such as Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice.
Water
Agave desmettiana must only be watered in spring and summer. This plant should receive a thorough soaking of water every 7-10 days during the active growing season, but only if the soil is mostly dry. Keep dry in autumn and winter.
Pot size
This species should be grown in a container that is about 3-5cm wider than the base of its stem. When small, it can be grown in 10-12cm pots, but with time will need a larger pot.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 25 – 35Β°C. It is quite adaptable and can tolerate 1 β 40Β°C. It is very sensitive to frost.
Humidity
This species prefers dry conditions and should not be kept in areas with more than 40% humidity.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Its primary growing season is from spring through summer. During winter, it enters a period of dormancy.
Propagation
This species is best propagated through offsets.
Stem propagation: Some specimens may produce a small offset at the base. These can be removed with a sharp knife, allowed to callous for one week, and then planted into a gritty soil mix to root.