The Agave americana mediopicta, often called the White Striped Century Plant, is a striking, low-maintenance succulent. It brings architectural form and a unique color palette to landscapes and containers. Its ability to store water makes it a resilient, drought-tolerant choice.
Distinctive Features
Agave americana mediopicta features a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves. These are typically gray-green with a creamy-white to yellow central stripe. The leaves have recurved spines along their edges and a prominent, needle-sharp terminal spine.
This succulent grows to a mature height of 2 to 4 feet and spreads 3 to 6 feet wide. Its slow growth rate contributes to its compact, architectural form, making it suitable for landscapes or containers.
Cultivation Requirements
Light
Agave americana mediopicta thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of bright sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant variegation and compact growth. While it tolerates partial shade, avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent scorching. Adequate light prevents etiolation, where stems stretch and become leggy.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential for Agave americana mediopicta to prevent root rot, a common issue for succulents in overly moist conditions. Use a gritty, sandy, or gravelly mix, or a specialized succulent/cactus potting mix for drainage. For containers, select one with drainage holes and incorporate sand or perlite.
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. During the active growing season (spring and summer), water every 10-14 days or when the soil feels dry an inch deep. In fall and winter, during dormancy, reduce watering significantly to about once a month, just enough to prevent leaves from shriveling. Overwatering is a primary cause of decline, as this agave stores water in its leaves and is adapted to arid conditions.
Temperature and Climate
This agave is drought-tolerant and withstands a range of temperatures, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11. It tolerates brief periods down to 15°F (-9°C), but prolonged exposure below this causes damage. In regions with colder winters (USDA Zone 7 and below), protect from frost by covering the plant or moving container-grown specimens indoors.
Fertilizing
Agave americana mediopicta has minimal fertilization needs. If desired, apply a light, balanced liquid feed diluted to half strength once or twice a year during the active growing season (spring and summer). Over-fertilizing can lead to root burn and is unnecessary, as these plants are adapted to nutrient-poor soils. Do not fertilize during dormant periods.
Propagation and Offsets
Agave americana mediopicta readily produces offsets, or “pups,” around the base of the mother plant. This is the most common propagation method, as offsets are genetic clones that retain the distinctive variegated characteristics. While seed propagation is possible, it’s less common for variegated forms due to potential genetic variation.
To propagate, carefully remove offsets a few inches in diameter from the mother plant using a sharp, clean knife or secateurs. Allow them to dry in a dry place for two to three weeks until the cut end forms a callus, which prevents rot. Once callused, plant the offset in a container with well-draining succulent or cactus mix, and water lightly after about a week. Ensure the new plant receives bright, indirect light until it establishes roots, typically within a few weeks.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Pests
While resilient, Agave americana mediopicta may encounter pests. The agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) is a primary concern; its larvae feed on plant tissue, causing severe damage and collapse. Other pests include mealybugs and scale insects, found on leaf undersides, which can be treated with rubbing alcohol or horticultural oil. Slugs and snails may also cause damage by eating holes in leaves.
Diseases
Root rot is the most prevalent disease affecting Agave americana mediopicta, primarily caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Signs include mushy leaves or a collapsing plant. Prevent root rot by strictly adhering to watering guidelines and ensuring excellent soil drainage. Fungal infections like anthracnose can occur during prolonged moist periods, but these plants are disease-free in proper conditions.
Environmental Stress
Signs of environmental stress are visible in the plant’s foliage. Under-watering leads to shriveling leaves as the plant depletes water reserves. Too much shade can cause etiolation, resulting in stretched, pale growth and reduced variegation, compromising its architectural appeal. Ensure proper light exposure and consistent, appropriate watering to prevent these issues.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance involves removing dead or damaged lower leaves to maintain the plant’s tidy appearance and prevent potential pest hiding spots. Use caution due to sharp spines and caustic sap; wear protective gear. Like many agaves, Agave americana mediopicta is monocarpic; the mother plant flowers only once in its lifetime, typically after many years (10-30 years), before dying. The numerous offsets produced before flowering ensure the continuation of the plant’s life cycle.