Agave

Agave potatorum “kiji-jo-kan” is a very unusual, rare color form of agave with striped foliage and rusty thorns. Also known as the “Butterfly Agave” for the shape of the leaves that resemble butterfly wings. The rosettes are wider at the bottom. It may not bloom until it is 10 years old.

Cultivation: Agave potatorum is a relatively easy-to-grow species, though not as cold-hardy as many of the more northerly-occurring species (Winter hardy to around -3° C degrees) But it is best to protect it from frost to avoid disfiguring the foliage. Suited for light shade to full sun, but better with some shade in summer. It needs a very well-drained soil. It grows fairly fast in summer if provided with copious water, but allow to dry thoroughly before watering again (the more water and fertilizer this plant gets, the faster it will grow). During the winter months, one should only water enough to keep the leaves from shrivelling.