The Potatorum Agave, also known as the "Drunkard Agave" or "Butterfly Agave," is an evergreen plant that gets its Latin name "Potatorum," meaning "of the drinkers," from its traditional use in making alcoholic beverages.
At Cactus Vision, we're obsessed with planting these perfectly symmetrical agaves in low bowl pots, where you can view them from the top down, or angling them in rocky garden beds for a unique and striking display. With red spines and a clean structure, this tightly kept agave is a great option for areas with moderate foot traffic (given its given enough space to grow) despite its fully developed marginal spines.
The Potatorum Agave is easy to care for and can grow quickly during spring and summer, usually as a single plant but occasionally producing offsets (pups) that can be removed and replanted. This agave is virtually deer and rabbit-resistant and disease-free, making it a great option for low-maintenance gardens. However, it is susceptible to scale insects and agave weevils, so preventative treatment is recommended in gardens with multiple agaves.
The Potatorum Agave only flowers once in its lifetime, after about ten years of growth. After flowering, it reproduces seeds and offsets, then dies. This 6-meter-high flowering process is a sight to behold and makes the agave's decade-long life cycle worthwhile. Don't be too quick to remove this agave when it flowers, as it can flower for many months, providing a great opportunity to propagate new offsets and ensure your agave collection stays strong for a lifetime.
