Agave potatorum "Eye Scream"
 
Origin: Mexico
 
Known as the Dwarf Butterfly Agave, this is a very beautiful cultivar. It is very compact in nature, with a rounded habit growing to about 45 cm in diameter. The short and broad leaves are grey, edged with white marginal variegation. It is a really neat and attractive, relatively slow-growing plant that forms lovely feature plants.
 
Plant Size: Well established plant grown in a 10 cm pot. The first two photos are of the plant being sold, the third photo is of the mother plant.
 
About Agave
 
Agave is a large new-world genus with more than 250 species known from the Americas. They are commonly known as Century Plants, as it was believed these plants flower once in a century.

The plants take many years to reach maturity but produces very tall many-flowered inflorescences. They are known as monocarpic plants, a term used for plants that dies back after its flowering cycle is complete, this is due a large amount of energy that is transferred into the development of the large inflorescences and the fact that the inflorescences are borne terminally, terminating the growing points of the plants. The plant reproduce by offsetting, seed or small plantlets that develops on the spent inflorescences.

Many Agave species are grown as crops or for their uses, most commonly know is Agave sisalana (from which sisal is derived, used for making rope and various other materials) and Agave tequilana (from which the Tequila is made).
 
Caring for your Agave
 
Pot: Agave species and varieties are well suited to containers. Growing them in containers will also limit the growth of the otherwise very large growing varieties. Planted out in the garden, the plants thrive and will grow faster in a shorter space of time. Agaves form exceptional feature plants and displays well in containers.
 
Soil: The plants are willing and adapt to various soil types. However, it is important that a well-drained soil mix is used. A mix of sandy topsoil and potting soil will work best.
 
Light: The brighter the light, the more colourful and compact your plant. Agaves will grow in semi-shaded positions. However, they prefer bright and sunny positions.
 
Water: Despite being able to survive lengthy severe droughts, the plants grow happily with a weekly watering in summer.