Agave titanota FO76 f. variegata

Agave titanota FO76

Agave titanota FO76 is a compact agave with dark green leaves and large white-grey teeth along every margin. It stays squatter and greener than the ghost-white typical form of the species. Each leaf ends in a sharp terminal spine. The rosette reaches about 50 cm across and flowers once, after 10 to 30 years.

Origin and Natural Habitat

Agave titanota FO76 comes from the Sierra Mixteca, the mountain region between Puebla and Oaxaca in south-central Mexico. Felipe Otero collected it there in 1984. The name combines his initials with his collection number, 076. The typical Agave titanota grows on limestone cliffs and ledges near Rancho Tambor in Oaxaca. Nurseries sell FO76 as a form of Agave titanota, though some growers list it as Agave oteroi. 

Plant Characteristics

This form grows as a solitary evergreen rosette. The leaves are short and broad. Large white-grey teeth and curved spines line the margins. The typical form has ghost-white leaves, while FO76 has dark green leaves and a rounder shape.

It grows slowly. Like most agaves, it is monocarpic. The plant flowers once, sends up a 3 to 6 m stalk of yellow flowers, then dies. Bats pollinate the flowers in habitat. Offsets form occasionally. The terminal spine punctures skin easily, so handle the plant with care.

Care Guide

Light
Full sun gives the most compact rosette and the best leaf colour. Light shade is tolerated. In deep shade the leaves stretch and the rosette opens.

Soil
A very gritty, free-draining medium is required. Wet soil rots the roots. A medium similar to our LDP EcoGrit Mix is preferred.

Water
During the growing season, water thoroughly and let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In winter, water once or twice every two months. Keep water out of the centre of the rosette.

Pot size
A wide pot with drainage holes suits the shallow root system. Choose a pot about 5 cm wider than the root ball. Repot every two to three years as the plant grows and the mix breaks down.

Temperature
Agave titanota FO76 tolerates heat very well. It survives temperatures down to about -3°C when kept dry. Light frost scars the leaves, so protect the plant from frost.

Humidity
This species prefers low humidity and good airflow. It does not need misting.

Fertilizing
Feed with a balanced, half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter.

Growing Season

Agave titanota FO76 grows from spring to autumn. It rests in winter.

Propagation

This species can be propagated through offsets or seed.

Offset division: Take offsets in spring or early summer. Expose the base of the plant and cut the offset away from the mother with a clean, sharp knife. Keep any roots attached. Let the cut surface callous for several days. Pot the offset into a gritty mix. Keep it dry for one to two weeks, then water lightly until it roots.