Agave Vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ (Variegated Octopus Agave): Growing and Care Guide

An attractive succulent, the Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ is a popular choice for indoor gardens and outdoor landscapes. The Agave has many uses, including as an ornamental plant in indoor settings or as a feature in rock gardens.

Discover all you need to know about growing Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ plants properly and efficiently. This guide will show the proper steps to grow and care for the Variegated Octopus Agave plant to keep it healthy and beautiful!

About Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’

Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ is an evergreen ornamental succulent from the Agave family. It is a striking variegated cultivar of the Agave vilmoriniana, retaining its parent’s best features (the leaves) and complementing it with eye-catching coloration.

It has variegated leaves, which are green with white or yellow stripes or spots on the edge. Like the standard Octopus Agave, the leaves undulate and curve, forming a graceful spectacle.

The leaves are toothless but have serrated edges that can injure them if touched.

This plant is hardy to USDA zones 9-11 but can also be grown indoors as a houseplant, where it requires bright light and good drainage.

Botanical Name	Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’
Common Name	Agave ‘Stained Glass’, Variegated Octopus Agave
Family	Asparagaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	Garden Origin
Maintenance	Low
Height	3-4 feet
Width	3-4 feet
Light	Full sun
Bloom season	Summer
Bloom color	Yellow, Gold
Water needs	Low
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
Tolerant	Deer, Drought
Toxicity	Mildly-toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	9-11

Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ Care

The Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care.

Light

The Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ prefers full sun. The leaves will become smaller and more brown than green if placed in low light conditions. However, it thrives when exposed to full sunlight for extended periods.

But be careful not to overdo it, sunburn is rare, but it can happen.

Soil

The Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ requires well-draining soil. Sandy loam and compost will work best, but any combination of potting soil that drains quickly will suffice.

Water

The Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ likes to be watered once every week or so. It does not like constantly wet soil, but it can tolerate being occasionally dry. If you notice the succulent leaves begin to turn mushy and brown, your plant is getting too much water and needs more drainage in its soil.

Don’t overwater to avoid root rot down the road. 

Temperature and Humidity

The Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ does best in a warm environment. This Agave prefers temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can survive temperatures as high as 100 degrees with proper care.

However, if your plant begins to turn yellow or brown around the edges of its leaves, it is getting too much sun and needs more shade.

This plant also prefers dry air, so place it away from humidifiers or vents.

Fertilizer

The Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ requires little to no fertilizer. However, slow-release balanced fertilizer applied at the turn of spring can do wonders for its long-term growth.

Pruning

The Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ should be pruned once per year in late winter. This is done to remove any dead leaves and old growth, which can harbor pests and disease. In addition, as the plant grows older, it will send out new growth from its center that may also need to be removed.

Potting and Repotting Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’

Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ should be repotted every two years. The best time to do this is in spring, when it begins to grow again. This will help keep the plant healthy and its roots from getting too large for their pot.

You can also repot your Variegate Octopus Agave into a larger container if you want it to grow faster or become more full-bodied.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the plant from its current container. Loosen the soil around the Agave’s roots using any tools at hand.
2. Clean out any old soil or debris from around the roots.
3. Place the plant in this new container, leaving enough room for root growth.
4. Water lightly after a week to help the plant settle in.

Propagating Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ by Plantlets (Step-by-Step)

After maturing, the Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ flowers produce scores of plantlets that can be easily cultivated into new plants.

To propagate the plantlets:

1. Use a sharp tool to cut them from the stem.
2. Allow them to heal for a few days.
3. Plant these plantlets into a container filled with well-draining potting soil.
4. Water lightly and wait for new growth.

Blooms

Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ is monocarpic, which means it blooms only once in its lifetime. However, the plant produces an inflorescence with many flowers at the end of its life, usually about ten years old.

The flowers are yellow and cluster around the tips of the flowering stalk.

New plantlets are borne on the stalk as the flowers fade away; a way for the gardener to continue cultivating in a new pot.

Toxicity

Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ is mildly toxic, especially when eaten in large amounts. On contact, the sap can cause skin irritation.

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 common pest found on agave plants. It is about 1/4 inch long and has a snout-like mouth. The weevil feeds on the plant and lays its eggs around the leaves, causing damage that can lead to death if left untreated.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are a common agave pest found on the plant. They are hard to see clearly on the leaf surface and look like small, brown, or black spots on the leaves. The insects suck sap from the plant, weakening it tremendously if the infestation is severe.

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are other common agave pests found on the plant. They feed on the leaves of Agave, leaving behind small holes and a slimy trail. If left unchecked, slugs and snails can quickly destroy an entire agave crop.

Common Problems

Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’: How to Keep it Healthy (Video)

FAQ