Agave attenuata variegata - also known as Variegated foxtail agave or Agave Ray of light, is one of the most stunning succulents out there! And get this...the rosettes can grow up to a whopping 8 feet in diameter on top of a thick stem that can reach up to 4 feet tall! With its pale green leaves adorned with creamy-yellow stripes varying in width from leaf to leaf and plant to plant, this beauty will definitely steal your heart. This slow-growing yellow cultivar is perfect for those who love watching their plants develop over time.
And the best part about Agave attenuata 'Ray of Light'- Variegated fox tail agave? It's unarmed (no spines) which makes it an excellent choice for those locations where other agaves cannot be displayed.
If that wasn't enough, wait until you see the flowers! Depending on the growth conditions, foxtail agave typically blooms once during its lifetime, which can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years.
Watering Needs
The foxtail agave plant, like succulents, is adapted to survive in harsh hot environments, storing water in their foliage and trunk for months at a time. Therefore, don't overwater them, and ensure that the soil is dry or slightly damp when caring for your cactus.
During summer you should only water them every 2-3 weeks, and maintain a relative humidity of 40-50%, with an indoor humidity of around 40%.
In winter you may only need to water them once a month or less. On the other hand, if there is a severe drought it can lead to discoloration and browning of stems, as well as stunted growth. You should also take care not to overwater or else you may get root rot and fungal infection.
Light Requirements
The variegated fox tail agave plant can flourish in hot and sunny conditions, needing a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct light daily. Too little light can cause discoloration, an abnormal appearance, as well as limit its growth.
When grown indoors, place it in the sunniest place in your house. This foxtail succulent may benefit from shade in consistently hot climates. It is ideal to grow this perennial succulent in a west- or south-facing window.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The Agave foxtail plant favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized potting mix that contains over 10 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing your succulent plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. Succulents prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.
A little goes a long way!
Hardiness Zones & More
Typically grown in arid, semi-arid regions, variegated foxtail agave plant thrives indoors in warm, dry surroundings. It performs well in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can't tolerate temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can withstand temperatures below that, but only for short periods of time.
If you live in USDA regions 9 to 11, you can also grow these succulents outdoors year-round, but they are not cold- or frost-tolerant, so you should plant them indoors or put them in a pot and move them indoors during the winter if you live outside of these regions.
Keep your Agave attenuata variegated plant away from cold, drafty windows and air vents if you are growing it indoors in a cold climate.
Bloom Season | Mid summer |
---|---|
Bloom Season | Spring (early |
Bloom Season | Spring (early, mid, late) summer |
Botanical Name | Agave attenuata |
Botanical Name | Agave attenuata 'Ray of light' |
Common Name | Variegated foxtail agave, agave ray of light |
Dormancy | - |
Dormancy | Winter |
Family | Asparagaceae |
Flower Color | Pale greenish yellow |
Genus | Agave |
Growth Habit | Rosette |
Growth Habit | Showy |
Growth Habit | Showy, evergreen |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
Mature Size | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Mature Size | 5 ft. tall, 8 ft. wide |
Native Area | Central Mexico |
Native Area | Mexico |
Plant Type | Hybrid, Perennial succulent |
Propagation | By seeds, stem cuttings |
Resistance | 32f (0°c) |
Resistance | Drought tolerant, pest resistance, disease resistance |
Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
Soil Type | specialized succulent potting mix |
Special Features | Long flower stalk, unique foliage |
Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial sun |
Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to cats, friendly to dogs |
Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Features
Agave attenuata variegata - also known as Variegated foxtail agave or Agave Ray of light, is one of the most stunning succulents out there! And get this...the rosettes can grow up to a whopping 8 feet in diameter on top of a thick stem that can reach up to 4 feet tall! With its pale green leaves adorned with creamy-yellow stripes varying in width from leaf to leaf and plant to plant, this beauty will definitely steal your heart. This slow-growing yellow cultivar is perfect for those who love watching their plants develop over time.
And the best part about Agave attenuata 'Ray of Light'- Variegated fox tail agave? It's unarmed (no spines) which makes it an excellent choice for those locations where other agaves cannot be displayed.
If that wasn't enough, wait until you see the flowers! Depending on the growth conditions, foxtail agave typically blooms once during its lifetime, which can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years.
Watering Needs
The foxtail agave plant, like succulents, is adapted to survive in harsh hot environments, storing water in their foliage and trunk for months at a time. Therefore, don't overwater them, and ensure that the soil is dry or slightly damp when caring for your cactus.
During summer you should only water them every 2-3 weeks, and maintain a relative humidity of 40-50%, with an indoor humidity of around 40%.
In winter you may only need to water them once a month or less. On the other hand, if there is a severe drought it can lead to discoloration and browning of stems, as well as stunted growth. You should also take care not to overwater or else you may get root rot and fungal infection.
Light Requirements
The variegated fox tail agave plant can flourish in hot and sunny conditions, needing a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct light daily. Too little light can cause discoloration, an abnormal appearance, as well as limit its growth.
When grown indoors, place it in the sunniest place in your house. This foxtail succulent may benefit from shade in consistently hot climates. It is ideal to grow this perennial succulent in a west- or south-facing window.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The Agave foxtail plant favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized potting mix that contains over 10 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing your succulent plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. Succulents prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.
A little goes a long way!
Hardiness Zones & More
Typically grown in arid, semi-arid regions, variegated foxtail agave plant thrives indoors in warm, dry surroundings. It performs well in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can't tolerate temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can withstand temperatures below that, but only for short periods of time.
If you live in USDA regions 9 to 11, you can also grow these succulents outdoors year-round, but they are not cold- or frost-tolerant, so you should plant them indoors or put them in a pot and move them indoors during the winter if you live outside of these regions.
Keep your Agave attenuata variegated plant away from cold, drafty windows and air vents if you are growing it indoors in a cold climate.
Bloom Season | Mid summer |
---|---|
Bloom Season | Spring (early |
Bloom Season | Spring (early, mid, late) summer |
Botanical Name | Agave attenuata |
Botanical Name | Agave attenuata 'Ray of light' |
Common Name | Variegated foxtail agave, agave ray of light |
Dormancy | - |
Dormancy | Winter |
Family | Asparagaceae |
Flower Color | Pale greenish yellow |
Genus | Agave |
Growth Habit | Rosette |
Growth Habit | Showy |
Growth Habit | Showy, evergreen |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
Mature Size | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Mature Size | 5 ft. tall, 8 ft. wide |
Native Area | Central Mexico |
Native Area | Mexico |
Plant Type | Hybrid, Perennial succulent |
Propagation | By seeds, stem cuttings |
Resistance | 32f (0°c) |
Resistance | Drought tolerant, pest resistance, disease resistance |
Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
Soil Type | specialized succulent potting mix |
Special Features | Long flower stalk, unique foliage |
Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial sun |
Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to cats, friendly to dogs |
Watering Needs | Low |