Agave Titanota var. Oteroi "Filigree"

$250.00

Agave oteroi ‘Filigree’ - a highly ornamental, slow-growing selection admired for its refined leaf texture and intricate marginal detailing. Forming a compact, symmetrical rosette, it features thick, glaucous blue-green leaves accented by delicate, lace-like white bud imprints and finely toothed margins that give the plant its “filigree” appearance. The contrasting terminal spine adds definition while bright light enhances its powdery coloration. Well-suited for containers or dry garden settings with excellent drainage, ‘Filigree’ is a standout collector agave prized for its sculptural elegance and rare, intricate form.

Agave oteroi ‘Filigree’ - a highly ornamental, slow-growing selection admired for its refined leaf texture and intricate marginal detailing. Forming a compact, symmetrical rosette, it features thick, glaucous blue-green leaves accented by delicate, lace-like white bud imprints and finely toothed margins that give the plant its “filigree” appearance. The contrasting terminal spine adds definition while bright light enhances its powdery coloration. Well-suited for containers or dry garden settings with excellent drainage, ‘Filigree’ is a standout collector agave prized for its sculptural elegance and rare, intricate form.

🌞 Light

  • Full sun is essential — this agave develops its compact rosette, powdery white color, and bold leaf contrast only in strong, direct light.

  • Indoors: place near a south-facing window or use high-intensity grow lights.

  • Outdoors: ideal in open, unshaded positions with good airflow.

  • Partial shade can be tolerated but will produce longer, greener leaves.

💧 Water

  • Very drought-tolerant once established.

  • During active growth (spring to early fall):

    • Water deeply but infrequently — allow soil to dry completely before watering again.

    • In hot weather, about once every 10–14 days is sufficient.

  • During winter or cool dormancy:

    • Water lightly every 4–6 weeks or not at all if kept cool and dry.

  • Overwatering causes leaf yellowing, rot, or softening — dryness is safer.

🌵 Soil

  • Requires excellent drainage — it naturally grows on limestone cliffs and rocky slopes.

  • Ideal soil mix:

    • 60–70% pumice, lava rock, or coarse sand

    • 30–40% cactus or succulent mix

  • You can add crushed limestone or dolomite for an alkaline boost.

  • Avoid heavy organic or peat-based soils.

🌡️ Temperature

  • Prefers warm, arid conditions (24–35°C / 75–95°F).

  • Can tolerate brief cold to –2°C (28°F) if perfectly dry.

  • Protect from frost, prolonged damp cold, or freezing wind — they scar the leaves easily.

  • Overwinter indoors in a bright, dry spot if your area freezes.

🍃 Fertilization

  • Feed lightly during active growth (spring–summer):

    • Use a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer (¼ strength) once monthly.

  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers — they cause weak, overly green growth.

✂️ Maintenance

  • Remove old, dried lower leaves only when they detach easily.

  • Avoid touching the leaf surface too much — it has a natural powdery “bloom” that protects it from sun and gives the white coloration.

  • Handle with care: spines are sharp and hooked.

🌱 Propagation

  • Propagated mainly by offsets (pups) — though FO-76 can be slow to produce them.

  • Use clean tools, allow offsets to dry for 2–3 days before potting.

  • Root in a warm, bright environment with minimal water until growth resumes.

🪴 Container Tips

  • Use clay or unglazed pots to encourage evaporation and airflow.

  • A shallow, wide pot works well to show off the rosette.

  • Repot only every 3–5 years, as FO-76 prefers being slightly root-bound.