Agave attenuata 'Kara's Stripes', also known as the Variegated Fox Tail Agave, is an elegant and relatively soft-leaved succulent prized for its graceful rosettes and striking variegated foliage. Unlike many agaves, it lacks sharp terminal spines, making it a more touch-friendly option. Its arching leaves with creamy yellow or white stripes along the margins create a beautiful and architectural presence in gardens and containers.
 
Key Features of Agave attenuata 'Kara's Stripes'
Soft, Spineless Leaves: Features fleshy, pale blue-green leaves that lack the sharp terminal spines typical of many agaves.
Creamy Yellow or White Variegation: The leaf margins are distinctly striped with creamy yellow or white, providing a beautiful contrast to the blue-green center.
Rosette Shape: Forms symmetrical and often stemless rosettes that can eventually become quite large.
Arching Leaf Habit: The leaves gracefully arch downwards, giving the plant a flowing appearance.
Foxtail Flower Spike: Mature plants produce a dramatic, tall flower spike densely packed with greenish-yellow flowers, resembling a foxtail. The main rosette dies after flowering (monocarpic).
Relatively Fast Growth Rate: Compared to some other agaves, it can grow at a moderate pace, especially in favorable conditions.
 
Care for Your Agave attenuata 'Kara's Stripes'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to maintain vibrant variegation and healthy growth. It can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
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 moderately during the active growing season (spring and summer), allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering 1 significantly in fall and winter when the plant is less active.  
Temperature: Prefers mild to warm temperatures and is frost-sensitive. Protect from freezing conditions. It can tolerate brief dips to near-freezing, but prolonged exposure will cause damage.
Humidity: Adapts well to low humidity and does not require special humidity considerations.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Agave attenuata 'Kara's Stripes'
Removing Dead Leaves: As the lower leaves naturally dry out, they can be gently removed to maintain a tidy appearance and improve air circulation.
Handling with Care: While spineless, the leaves can be somewhat brittle and may be damaged by rough handling.
Protection from Frost: In regions with frost, container plants should be moved indoors or provided with adequate protection. In-ground plants may need to be covered during cold spells.
Monitoring for Pests and Diseases: 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 Agave attenuata 'Kara's Stripes' will often produce offsets or "pups" around the base of the main rosette. 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.
Seed: Propagation by seed is possible after the plant flowers, but it will result in the death of the mother rosette. Seed-grown plants may not reliably exhibit the variegated characteristics of the 'Kara's Stripes' cultivar.
 
Agave attenuata 'Kara's Stripes' is an elegant and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent that brings a touch of sophistication and visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces. Its soft, variegated leaves and graceful form make it a popular choice for those seeking a striking yet manageable agave.
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* 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.