Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan' is a highly sought-after cultivar prized for its compact, architectural form and striking, often colorful foliage. This particular specimen showcases tight rosettes of relatively short, wide leaves that curve upwards. The leaves exhibit a muted blue-grey to silvery-green base color. The margins of the leaves are distinctly toothed with small, sharp, reddish-brown teeth, and each leaf terminates in a sharp, reddish-brown terminal spine. While the central variegation isn't prominent in this view, the overall form and spination are characteristic of the cultivar.
 
Key Features of Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan'
Compact, Upward-Curving Rosette: Forms a tight, symmetrical rosette with leaves that tend to curve upwards.
Muted Blue-Grey to Silvery-Green Foliage: The leaves exhibit shades of blue-grey to silvery-green.
Toothed Leaf Margins: The leaf edges are distinctly marked with sharp, reddish-brown teeth.
Sharp Terminal Spine: Each leaf terminates in a sharp, reddish-brown spine.
Relatively Slow Growth: Grows at a moderate pace, maintaining its compact form for an extended period.
Monocarpic Flowering: Like other agaves, it will eventually produce a tall flower stalk once mature, after which the main rosette typically dies.
 
Care for Your Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan'
Light: Thrives in full sun, which enhances its colors and variegation (even if not fully visible in this view). It can tolerate some light shade, but full sun is best for optimal growth and appearance.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix amended with extra perlite or sand is ideal.
Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Agaves are very drought-tolerant. Overwatering is a significant risk, especially in cooler months.
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures and is relatively cold-hardy, but it's best to protect it from prolonged freezing conditions, especially when young or in containers.
Humidity: Adapts well to low humidity and does not require special humidity considerations.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan'
Removing Dead Leaves: As the lower leaves naturally dry out, they can be carefully removed to maintain a tidy appearance.
Handling with Care: Be cautious when handling due to the sharp terminal spines and toothed margins.
Protection from Extreme Cold: In regions with harsh winters, provide protection such as bringing container plants indoors or covering in-ground plants.
Monitoring for Pests and Diseases: Agaves are generally pest and disease resistant, but watch for scale or mealybugs occasionally. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Offsets (Pups): Mature agaves often produce offsets or "pups" around the base of the main plant. These can be carefully separated once they have developed their own root system. Allow the cut surfaces to callus over for a few days before potting them individually in well-draining soil. Ensure the offsets show signs of variegation to maintain the cultivar's characteristics.
Seed: Propagation by seed is possible but can be a slow process. Seeds need warm temperatures and well-draining soil to germinate. However, offspring from seed may not consistently exhibit the 'Kichiokan' variegation.
 
Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan' is a highly desirable and relatively low-maintenance succulent prized for its architectural form and the potential for striking variegation, complemented by its distinct toothed margins and sharp terminal spines. Its unique appearance makes it a standout addition to any arid or succulent garden.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.