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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Agave Desmettiana ‘Variegata’: Growing and Care Guide

    Agave Desmettiana ‘Variegata’: Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonOctober 18, 2022
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    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ is an incredible cultivar of the popular Agave desmettiana plant that can add color, texture, and interest to any home or garden.

    But it needs care and attention to keep it healthy and happy.

    Agave Desmettiana 'Variegata' In A Garden Bed
    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ in a garden bed (“Variegated Desmett Agave (Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’‘” by Mokkie is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    This guide will help you learn the proper steps to grow and care for your Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ plant to keep it healthy and beautiful.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’

    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ is a highly popular variegated form of the Smooth Agave (a.k.a. Agave desmettiana), a succulent native to Mexico.

    Smooth Agave is a slow-growing plant and can take several years to reach maturity. It can grow up to 4 feet tall but typically stays at about 2 feet in height.

    Related Article: Types of Agave succulents and common varieties

    Botanical NameAgave desmettiana ‘Variegata’
    Common NameSmooth Agave
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginGarden Origin
    MaintenanceLow
    Height2-3 feet
    Width3-4 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial shade
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Bloom colorYellow
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought, Salt
    ToxicityMildly-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ Care

    The Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care once established. However, there are still some things you should know about growing this type of Agave successfully.

    Light

    The Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ is a sun-loving plant but can tolerate some shade. If you want to keep your Agave happy and healthy, give it as much direct sunlight as possible.

    The plant will do well either way, but the variegated leaves may lose some of their colors if they’re not getting enough light.

    Soil

    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ is a succulent, so it prefers well-drained soil that is slightly dry. If you want to keep your Agave healthy and happy, ensure that you provide it with the right kind of potting medium in which it can thrive.

    Water

    Water it sparingly if you want to keep your Agave healthy and happy. Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ needs to be watered only when the soil feels dry on top.

    You can test by sticking your finger 2 inches into the dirt and water if it comes up dry. Overwatering leads to root rot, which is very hard to recover from.

    Temperature and Humidity

    The Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ prefers full sun and a temperature range of 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

    If you live in a temperate climate, it will thrive outdoors year-round. However, if you are in an area that gets cold during the winter, you can bring your plant indoors for the winter months and place it in a sunny spot near a window.

    Humidity is a non-issue as Agave plants don’t care either way. Average room conditions serve them well.

    Fertilizer

    The Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ doesn’t require much fertilizer. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is fine to use once a month during the growing season.

    The plant should be fertilized in early spring and again in late summer or early fall to promote faster growth.

    Avoid fertilizing during dormancy (winter).

    Agave Desmettiana 'Variegata' Cheat Sheet
    Agave desmettiana ‘variegata’ cheat sheet (author weter777 via depositphotos)

    Pruning

    Agaves, in general, don’t require much pruning.

    However, it’s best to remove dead leaves and brown tips on the plant. If you notice old, decaying leaves near the base of your plant, remove them as well, as the plant has a hard time getting rid of them on its own.

    Potting and Repotting Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’

    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ can be repotted any time of the year. However, it’s best to pot your Agave when it’s just starting to grow.

    If you notice that your Agave is getting too big for its current pot, repotting will help keep it healthy and happy. Make sure to use good quality potting soil and make sure there are lots of drainage holes at the bottom of the container.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. Clay or Terracotta pots are the best for Agave. They have excellent drainage, which is vital for succulents and cacti. If your pot is plastic or stone, you may need to drill holes so water can drain properly.
    • Prepare the soil. Agave needs well-drained soil. You can use a store-bought succulent potting mix or make your own with equal parts of sand, perlite, and compost.
    • Select a sunny spot. Plant it in full sun. Agaves like hot, dry conditions and will not tolerate shady conditions well.
    • Gather the tools. You will need a trowel, pruning shears, and gloves.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its current container. Gently shake away all of the soil from around your Agave, being careful not to damage the leaves.
    2. Inspect the root system. If the roots are tightly packed in a ball, gently tease them apart with your fingers to loosen them up.
    3. Place the plant in its new pot. Push down on the soil until it is firm around the roots.
    4. Water the plant thoroughly. This will settle the soil and give it a good start in its new pot.

    Propagating Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

    The most common way to propagate agaves is by taking offsets. This is a process where you can take small shoots or pups off of another agave and grow them into new plants. 

    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ gives off offsets periodically, and you should have no problems getting your Agave to produce some for propagation.

    1. Separate the offsets from the parent plant by twisting them off by hand.
    2. Let the offset dry out for a few days. This will allow the cells to harden up to better survive transplanting into the new soil.
    3. Plant the pup in a small pot filled with cactus soil mix.
    4. Water the new Agave and place it in indirect sunlight with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
    5. Wait for your plant to grow into a full-sized agave!

    Blooms

    Agave Desmettiana 'Variegata' Panicles
    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ panicles (“Fallbrook Public Library, Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ flower panicles, Parkinsonia aculeata Palo Verde” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ is monocarpic, which means it will die after flowering. The plant produces a single large flower stalk reaching up to six feet high, with dozens of tiny yellow flowers on top.

    The flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds, bats, and other insects and then turn into fruit that contains seeds.

    Related: How to Care and Grow Agave Chrysantha (Golden Flowered Century Plant)

    Toxicity

    Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ plants are slightly toxic to pets and small children. However, adults have nothing to fear from the sap other than a very mild itching if it comes into contact with skin.

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Common Pests

    Agave snout weevil

    The agave snout weevil is a serious pest of agaves and related plants. It feeds on its host plants’ leaves, stems, and flowers, causing damage that can weaken or kill them. They are most active in the warmer months when they lay their eggs on the lower surface of leaves; these hatch into larvae that feed on the plant tissue before pupating into adult beetles.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are sap-feeding insects that can cause damage to agave plants. They attach themselves to their host plants’ leaves, stems, and flowers, sucking out the sap. This can lead to wilting and death of parts of the plant.

    Slugs

    Slugs are small, round-bodied mollusks that damage plants by feeding on the leaves and stems. They often leave mucus trails as they move across the surface of leaves. Slugs hide during the day, coming out at night to feed on young tender growth.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: The most common cause of agave plant death is overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and avoid getting water on the leaves when watering. Check roots if you suspect your plant of having contracted root rot.
    • Frost burn: Overexposure to the cold can cause frost burn. These plants are hardy to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. So if you see the tips of the leaves turning white and dying, it’s likely due to frost burn.
    • Sunburn: Despite their sun-loving nature, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause sunburn, which is often associated with brown or burnt spots on the leaves. If you notice these symptoms, it’s likely sunburn.

    Growing Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’- Helpful Tips (Video)

    FAQ

    Agave desmettiana Variegata is easy to care for. You can keep it as an indoor houseplant or add it to your outdoor garden or patio. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering and fertilizer.

    Agave desmettiana Variegata grows slowly. It takes about ten years for it to reach maturity and full size of 4 feet tall.

    The Agave desmettiana Variegata will die after it blooms. It’s a monocarpic plant that won’t live past the first bloom. However, these plants rarely bloom in cultivation, and gardeners don’t have to worry about their well-loved plants dying.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
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    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

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