Agave univittata 'Quadricolour'

This Agave's broad, fleshy leaves catch the eye with their colourful stripes. Each leaf has a fresh pale green centre, with deeper forest green and then paler green and cream-yellow on the edge of the leaves. The leaves are also bordered by sharp spines so take care with your fingers! These succulents are very drought resistant, having adapted to grow in some of the driest places on earth, and they store their water in their leaves. Make sure you don't give this plant too much water; if you wait until its leaves are wrinkled and less firm, you'll know the plant is ready for a drink.

Scientific Name
Agave univittata 'Quadricolour' (illustrious plant with one stripe, variety: Quadricolor)

Agave lophantha is a synonym of the species Agave univittata. A. univittata was named first, and the two were later found to be the same species.

Common Name
Striped Agave, Quadricolour Century Plant

Origin
This Agave is native to Mexico and the Southwestern US.

Light
This plant loves sun, so make sure it's somewhere in bright, preferably direct, light. It can even go outdoors in a sunny spot in summer!

Water
Let the soil completely dry out between waters- this will be at least a week in summer, and longer in winter.

Humidity
This plant is adapted to arid environments, so don't keep it anywhere too damp! A hose down every now and again will help keep its leaves free of dust, though.

Soil
Use a well-draining soil mix; one with added sand and grit, such as a soil designed for cacti & succulents, will work well here. Repot every two or three years in spring; Agaves are happy to be pot-bound, even with pups growing right next to the parent plant, so only repot if totally necessary, or if you're separating the pups.

Food
Feed every two months throughout the year with a weak feed or specific cactus feed.

Temperature
Ideally likes temperatures of 18-25°C in summer. This plant can be grown outdoors most of the year in well-draining soil, and can stand temperatures down to -3°C; in most areas it will need winter protection so it doesn't totally freeze.

Pet-safe
No, this plant can cause vomiting and diarhhoea in dogs if large amounts are eaten.

Sprouts Top Tips
The most common issue with Agaves is overwatering, so make sure you are leaving it plenty of time to totally dry out between waters. If your plant's stem starts to feel squishy and look yellow, it needs to dry out straight away! If it's pale in the centre and the growth is deformed, give it more light; it needs at least an hour of direct sun a day, especially in winter.

Did you know?
In Mexico, Agaves are used to make mezcal, and almost any type can be used!