Growers and Collectors of Aloe, Cactus, Succulent & Caudiciform Plants

Today I was admiring the complex growing pattern of a beautiful little Agave Victoria-reginae variegate that over the last 4 months or so has been setting pups profusely. For those of you who have never seen the “aureo marginata” form of A. Victoria-reginae you are in for a treat.

When grown in areas where there are no heavy frosts such as So California where I am located these plants may be cultivated with good success outdoors where their beauty is better observed. I have a limited amount of earth to grow my plants so I prefer to grow them in pots with quality soil and light shade to full sun exposure. During the hottest summer month they get afternoon shade which coupled with a well timed mid-summer treatment of water soluble potassium-rich fertilizer creates the beautiful Fall colors shown in the picture.

I also have a nice collection of mature Agave Victoria-reginae in my collection as well as the often overlooked King Ferdinand’s agave, the Agave ferdinandi-regis. This form has a black-edged leaf and makes a nice addition to any agave collection. (more…)