How to Grow and Care for Butterfly agave

Butterfly agave, also known as Verschaffelt agave, Potatorum agave, Spoon agave, Zwana agave, Tobala agave, Maguey Tobalá, Dwarf butterfly agave

Butterfly agave is a succulent known for its low maintenance and drought tolerance, making it suitable for both experienced and beginner gardeners. Special care points include ensuring well-draining soil to prevent root rot and providing adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Avoidance of overwatering is critical for butterfly agave's health.

Watering schedule: Every 3 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Butterfly agave

Toughness	Medium
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 3 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Succulent & Cactus Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	9-10

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Varieties of Butterfly agave

Butterfly agave 'Kissho Kan'

Butterfly agave 'Kissho Kan' is a compact cultivar of Butterfly agave. Gardeners choose it as it does well in a container. Its coloration is notable for the blue-green leaves that are edged in cream and outfitted with brown spikes on the outside of each thick leaf. Kissho Kan translates to "happy crown," giving it a name that evokes its shape.

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More General Info About Butterfly agave

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Butterfly agave is recognized by its distinctive broad gray leaves, forming an open and symmetrical rosette around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall and 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) wide. The leaves, measuring 10 to 18 inches (25 to 45 cm) in length, curve slightly backward near their tips and boast chestnut brown spines along the edges, with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) long slightly wavy terminal spine. The leaf marginal spines rest on noticeable tubercle-like protrusions. Mature specimens produce a lofty flower spike, 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) tall, with light green flowers tinged with red.