Also known as Butterfly Agave
Agave potatorum, the Verschaffelt Agave, is a stunning succulent with compact rosettes of blue-green leaves, often tipped with sharp, reddish-brown teeth.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
75% intensity
Protect from intense afternoon sun in very hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
25% intensity
Reduce watering significantly in cooler months and during winter dormancy.
Sandy, Well-draining
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures.
75% intensity
Tolerates heat well but should be protected from frost; bring indoors if temperatures drop below 5°C.
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
25% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once or twice in spring/summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Sap can cause skin irritation and is mildly toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Agave potatorum prefers infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot.
Water more sparingly in cooler months and even less during dormancy, ensuring the plant does not remain waterlogged.
Pruning is generally not required for Agave potatorum. Remove only dead, damaged, or diseased leaves at the base of the plant using a clean, sharp knife.
This helps maintain the plant's aesthetic and prevent disease spread.
Agave potatorum is primarily propagated by offsets (pups) that grow from the base of the mother plant. Carefully separate the offsets when they are a few inches tall and have developed their own roots.
Allow them to callus before planting in well-draining soil.
Repot Agave potatorum every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one with ample drainage holes.
Use a gritty, fast-draining potting mix formulated for cacti and succulents. Repot in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Verschaffelt Agave (Agave potatorum)
Where Verschaffelt Agave (Agave potatorum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Species | Agave potatorum |
Similar in genus Agave
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
