Japanese miniature cultivar of the Mezcal agave with a compact blue rosette, perfect collector's plant

Agave potatorum 'Shoji-Raijin' (sometimes called 'Silver Star' or 'Blue Rose') is a magnificent miniature rosette of chubby leaves that remain very small and compact. This unique cultivar has been selected in Japan and produces side shoots that form a small clump of 6 to 7 centimeter rosettes. Mature plants stay in pots of only 10 centimeters.

The leaves are broad, thick, and strikingly dusty blue with few short spines, ending in a distinct, slightly twisted reddish spine. The leaf margins show clear swellings at the base of the teeth. Typically, the leaves do not show any noticeable leaf imprints.

This small and very attractive agave is a compact and collectible version of the classic Agave potatorum. The parent species comes from the semi-deserts of Mexico's southern Puebla, west-central Veracruz, and central Oaxaca states, and is used in the production of mezcal – due to high production, it is classified as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2019).

Botanical description

The species epithet 'potatorum' means "to drink" in Latin and refers to the drink mezcal produced from the plant. To make mezcal, the leaves are cut at the base to access the heart of the plant, which is baked, pressed, and fermented before the sap is distilled.

Care

Cultivation requirements are similar to those for Agave potatorum. The plants grow very symmetrically and remain in small containers. They need well-draining succulent soil and full sun to light shade, but do better with some shade during the summer.

Water regularly during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out between waterings, being careful as heavy watering can cause the leaves to crack. Water approximately once a month or when the soil feels completely dry.

This cultivar is not as cold-hardy as many northern species and is sensitive to frost. Protect from frost and wet winter conditions. Can successfully live its entire life in a pot, both indoors and outdoors during the warm season.