Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba'

Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba'

Broad, rigid leaves and a creamy-white central stripe give Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba' its bold century plant look. The pale band runs through the centre of each leaf, framed by grey-green margins and a strong basal rosette.

Give this substantial agave a very bright, frost-free container position. Its thick leaves widen steadily with age, and the rosette needs enough space around the pot for safe handling as it matures.

Century plant variegation

• Large variegated cultivar of Agave americana
• Grey-green leaves with a broad creamy-white central stripe
• Rigid leaf margins with marginal spines and a strong terminal spine
• Slow-growing rosette for a bright, spacious container position
• Produces basal offsets as mature plants develop

Native range and container growth

Agave americana is native from the southern United States to Mexico, where it grows as a succulent perennial in seasonally dry habitats. 'Mediopicta Alba' is a cultivated variegated selection of the species, grown for its pale central leaf band and broad rosette form.

The plant develops from a short central stem with thick, water-storing leaves. Mature specimens can become heavy and wide, especially outdoors in mild climates or under glass. In indoor containers, growth is slower, but the plant still needs strong light, a stable pot and a gritty root zone.

Agave americana rosettes are monocarpic. A mature flowering rosette eventually sends up a tall central bloom stalk and then declines after flowering, while basal offsets can continue the plant.

Care for Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba'

• Light: Give full sun or the brightest indoor position available. Strong light keeps the leaves firm and the rosette compact.
• Watering: Water deeply, then allow the substrate to dry completely. In winter, keep the root zone much drier, especially in cool rooms.
• Substrate: Use a mineral-rich succulent mix with pumice, lava, grit, coarse sand and a smaller organic fraction.
• Drainage: Use a pot with drainage holes and empty standing water from saucers or outer pots after watering.
• Temperature: Keep potted plants frost-free. In cool winter conditions, wet substrate can rot the roots and crown.
• Humidity: Normal indoor humidity is fine. Good ventilation helps the crown and leaf bases stay dry.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during spring and summer with diluted cactus or succulent fertiliser.
• Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes unstable, offsets crowd the pot or the substrate has compacted. Use a heavy pot for larger rosettes.
• Pruning: Remove fully dried outer leaves with clean tools. Wear gloves and keep the leaf tips away from your face and arms.
• Offsets: Basal offsets can be removed once they have their own roots. Let cut surfaces dry before potting.
• Outdoor placement: Move outdoors gradually in late spring after cold nights have passed. Bring it back under shelter before prolonged autumn rain.

Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba' issues

• Soft leaves or blackened crown tissue: Cold, wet substrate and poor drainage are the main risks. Move the plant warmer and let the root zone dry.
• Brown leaf tips: Look for old mechanical damage, mineral build-up, dry winter stress or repeated contact with hard surfaces.
• Loose, elongated growth: Increase light gradually and move the plant into a sunnier position.
• Scarring on pale central bands: Variegated tissue can mark from handling, shipping or sudden sun. Existing marks remain on older leaves, so handle the pale central band carefully.
• Offsets crowding the pot: Thin selected offsets during repotting if the plant becomes difficult to water or handle.

Safety notes for Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba'

Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba' has sharp marginal spines, a strong terminal spine and irritating sap. Keep it out of reach of pets and children, and place it away from narrow walkways. Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when repotting or dividing offsets.

Name and cultivar meaning

Agave americana L. is a species in the Asparagaceae family. The genus name Agave comes from Greek agauos, meaning “admirable” or “noble”. The species epithet americana means “of America”, referring to the plant’s New World origin. 'Mediopicta Alba' names the white-centred variegated form.