Agave americana  'Mediopicta Alba' is one of the prettiest and most sought after variegated succulents in existence. It is a living sculpture with very dramatic leaves, the juxtaposition of the solid creamy white bands down the centre with the powder blue of margins in a neat rosette looks right to the eye.

Description:  Solitary or slowly clumping succulent rosette  that will grow to a height of 90-120 (150) cm. The arching leaves are characteristically  variegated and have a broad creamy white band down the centre of each leaf, with grey-blue sharp-spined edges.

Propagation: Exclusively by suckers  Remove the basal suckers (if available) in spring or summer and let the cuttings dry for a few days before inserting in compost.

Use: These striking plants are wonderful when used for accent, or simply to provide some all year round foliage colour.  They are often used in a pot as patio plants, and make an eye-catching statement.  Along with other evergreen plants in pots, they can be moved around to change the scenery, or positioned to give more shelter.

Cultivation: This is a very popular cultivar but it is relatively slow to grow and propagate, it tends to do less well than the standard blue-grey species plant, hence the price. They do well in full sun or a lightly shaded area.
In winter watering this plant can be done once every 1-2 months.  There is no need to mist the leaves.  Agave americana is theoretically hardy to -9° C ,  particularly when dry ,but this cultivar is more tender, and it is best to avoid severe freezing temperatures.

Scientific Name: Agave americana 'Medio picta Alba'
 

• Agave ingens var. picta,
• Agave zonata,
• Agave variegata,
• Agave subzonata,
• Agave picta,

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of Agave americana.
 

• A. americana The century plant
• A. americana 'aureo-marginata' with yellow margins on the leaves.
• A. americana 'Mediopicta aurea' with a broad yellow band down the centre of each leaf.
• A. americana 'Mediopicta alba' with a broad white band down the centre of each leaf.
• A. americana 'Striata' with multiple stripes along the leaves.