Agave potatorum "Ikari Raijin Nishiki" - 2ga

Agave potatorum ‘Ikari Raijin Nishiki’ is a compact, variegated selection of Agave potatorum grown primarily as a collector plant, valued for its layered marginal coloration and restrained size. It forms a solitary to lightly offsetting rosette generally 8 to 12 inches tall and about 12 to 18 inches wide, with thick, broadly triangular leaves arranged in a moderately open pattern. The foliage shows pale yellow to cream variegation along the margins, transitioning inward to blue-gray tones across the leaf surface, while small red marginal teeth and a red terminal spine provide contrast. Flowering is rare and occurs only at maturity, when a tall inflorescence typical of the species is produced and the rosette declines, consistent with its monocarpic habit. The species Agave potatorum is native to southern Mexico, and this cultivar is associated with Japanese collector naming conventions, having circulated under several earlier names before being widely accepted as ‘Ikari Raijin Nishiki’. In cultivation it prefers full sun to bright shade, excellent drainage, and infrequent watering, with drier winter conditions improving reliability. Cold tolerance is moderate, with plants generally handling brief exposure to about 25–30°F if kept dry. Its compact scale and detailed foliage make it best suited to containers or small garden settings where close viewing is possible.