Agave mediopicta alba

🌿✨ Agave mediopicta ‘Alba’ — The Elegant Variegated Agave
Agave mediopicta ‘Alba’ is a stunning, slow-growing succulent known for its dramatic variegated leaves. A cultivar of Agave americana, this variety stands out due to its creamy-white central stripe flanked by blue-green leaf margins. Each leaf is edged with sharp teeth and terminates in a pointed spine, making it both architectural and ornamental.

Native to Mexico, Agave mediopicta ‘Alba’ is prized for its symmetrical rosette shape and is often featured in desert landscapes, rock gardens, and container displays. It combines beauty with drought tolerance, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardening.

🌿 Botanical Overview
Scientific Name: Agave americana var. mediopicta ‘Alba’

Family: Asparagaceae

Common Names: Century Plant ‘Alba’, Variegated Agave, Agave mediopicta alba

Origin: Mexico

Growth Habit: Symmetrical, solitary or sparsely offsetting rosette

Size:

Height: 2 to 3 feet (60–90 cm)

Spread: 2 to 4 feet (60–120 cm)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11

🍃 Appearance
Leaves:

Thick, fleshy, sword-like leaves arranged in a rosette

Color: Central creamy-white stripe with blue-green margins

Edges lined with sharp, recurved teeth and a terminal spine

Leaf length: Up to 2 feet (60 cm) long

Flowers:

Flowers appear on a very tall stalk (up to 20 feet) after many years (typically 10–25 years)

Pale yellow to greenish flowers

Monocarpic: the plant dies after flowering, but often produces pups before or after flowering

☀️ Light Requirements
Outdoors:

Thrives in full sun

Can tolerate partial shade, but variegation is more vibrant in full sunlight

Indoors:

Needs the brightest spot possible, ideally near a south or west-facing window

May require supplemental grow lights in low-light conditions

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Temperature:

Prefers temperatures between 20–30°C (68–86°F)

Can tolerate heat but should be protected from freezing temperatures

Hardy down to around -6°C (20°F) if dry, but best overwintered indoors in cooler climates

Humidity:

Thrives in low humidity

Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues

💧 Watering Routine
Spring to Autumn:

Water when the soil is completely dry

In warm weather, this may be every 10–14 days

Water deeply but ensure thorough drainage

Winter (Dormancy):

Water very sparingly — once a month or less

Only water if the leaves start to wrinkle

🚫 Avoid overwatering, as Agaves are highly susceptible to root rot.

🌱 Soil Requirements
Type:

Well-draining, gritty soil

Ideal mix:

50% cactus/succulent mix

25% coarse sand

25% pumice or perlite

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Plant in containers with drainage holes to prevent water retention.

🌾 Fertilizing
Growing Season:

Fertilize once a month in spring and summer

Use a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK)

Winter:

No fertilization needed during dormancy

✂️ Maintenance and Pruning
Remove:

Dead, damaged, or dried leaves from the base

Offsets (pups) if desired, to control size or for propagation

Wear gloves when handling due to sharp spines and teeth.

🌿 Propagation
Offsets (Pups):

The primary method of propagation

Gently separate pups from the base using a clean, sharp knife

Allow the offset to callous for 2–3 days

Plant in dry, well-draining soil and water lightly after a few days

Seeds: Rare, especially for variegated types, and often not true to type.

🛡️ Common Problems
Overwatering: Leads to root rot and fungal infections

Sunburn: Sudden exposure to intense sun can scorch leaves

Pests: Watch for:

Mealybugs

Agave Snout Weevil (particularly outdoors)

Scale insects

Leaf Spot: Fungal diseases can occur if kept in wet or humid conditions.

🎍 Decorative Use
Excellent for:

Rock gardens

Desert or xeriscape landscapes

Large decorative pots for patios

Indoor focal plants near bright windows

Its bold variegation and symmetrical form make it highly ornamental, even without flowering.

✅ Conclusion
Agave mediopicta ‘Alba’ is a spectacular, low-maintenance succulent that combines resilience with striking beauty. By providing full sun, minimal water, well-drained soil, and occasional feeding, this plant can thrive for years as a stunning centerpiece indoors or in drought-tolerant landscapes.