Agave isthmensis 'Mediopicta Alba'

Agave isthmensis 'Mediopicta Alba'

A miniature, slow-growing succulent prized for its compact, architectural rosette and stunning leaf variegation. 

About the Plant

The 'Mediopicta Alba' is a specific cultivar of Agave isthmensis, native to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico. This slow-growing evergreen perennial, also known as the Dwarf Butterfly Agave or White centered Thunder, forms a beautiful, symmetrical rosette of short, broad, blue-green leaves. A prominent, creamy-white or white stripe runs down the center of each leaf, providing a striking contrast to the darker margins. The leaves have small, but sharp, reddish-brown teeth along the edges and a long, coppery terminal spine, so caution is advised when handling. 

This agave is monocarpic, meaning that an individual rosette will flower only once in its lifetime, typically after many years (often decades in other agave species), before the parent plant dies. It produces a tall stalk (up to 7 feet or more) with yellow-green flowers. It readily produces offsets, or "pups," which can be used to propagate new plants, ensuring the plant's legacy. 

Care Tips

Light: Prefers abundant, bright, direct sunlight to maintain its compact form and vibrant variegation. In extremely hot climates, partial shade during the intense afternoon sun may be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.

Watering: It is highly drought-tolerant once established and very sensitive to overwatering. Water sparingly and deeply only when the soil has completely dried out. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormant period.

Soil: Requires a well-draining, gritty or sandy soil mix to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand is ideal. Ensure the pot or planting location has good drainage holes.

Fertilization: Minimal fertilization is required. A diluted, balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied once or twice during the active growing season (spring and summer), but fresh soil during repotting often provides sufficient nutrients.

Maintenance: Easily propagated by carefully removing the offsets (pups) that sprout from the base of the mother plant. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning, other than removing dead or damaged leaves. Be cautious of the sharp leaf tips and edges when handling.