Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth'

Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Advanced

Lifespan

Perennial; the flowering rosette dies and offsets carry on

Size

Eventually about 45 cm tall and 120 cm wide

Watering

Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough

Light & Placement

Sunny, airy spot. It did not scorch in full sun in the US, but watch it in a Japanese midsummer and shade lightly if needed.

Watering

Dislikes summer humidity, so keep on the dry side; in winter water about once a month.

Temperature & Winter

Tender; about 0°C is the minimum it survives. Winter it indoors in a sunny spot.

Soil & Repotting

Free-draining mix; divide offsets to propagate.

Notes

Very slow-growing and takes years to size up. The width of the edge varies, so check photos of the actual plant.

About Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth'

A slow-growing, variegated Agave titanota with bold ivory-edged leaves, maturing over many years to about 45cm tall and 120cm wide. Recommended for experienced growers.

7 things to know before growing Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth'

1. 1Light & Placement

   Grow it in a sunny, well-ventilated spot. A specialist nursery in the United States reported no scorching on the cream-white leaves even in direct midsummer sun, but in a Japanese summer it's safer to watch the plant and add light shade if needed. Too little light makes the leaves stretch, so choose the brightest position you can.

2. 2Watering Basics

   Like other agaves, it stores water in its fleshy leaves, so let the soil dry out completely before watering thoroughly. Variegated plants tend to be more prone to root rot, so during slow-growth periods it's safer to water even less frequently than a plain green titanota.

3. 3Well-Draining Soil

   Choose a fast-draining succulent or cactus mix to help prevent root rot. Blend in a generous portion of hard granular material such as pumice or akadama, and use a pot with drainage holes so the roots get the airflow they need.

4. 4Repotting

   Because this cultivar grows so slowly, it rarely needs frequent repotting. Once roots start crowding the pot, move it into a slightly larger one during the active growing season, working quickly to minimize stress on the roots.

5. 5Seasonal Care

   Growth is most active from spring through autumn, with the plant going semi-dormant in winter. Since its cold tolerance is limited, bring it indoors to a bright spot once temperatures drop, and always protect it from frost.

6. 6Choosing a Plant

   Since the variegation pattern varies from plant to plant, check the width and color of the ivory margins as well as overall leaf condition before choosing one. Because growth is so slow, the size at purchase is itself part of the plant's ongoing appeal.

7. 7Propagating from Offsets

   As with other perennial agaves, a mature rosette dies back after flowering, but offsets forming at the base carry the plant forward. Once an offset has grown large enough, separate it from the parent, let the cut surface callus over, and then pot it up.

Frequently asked questions about Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth'

Q.Can Snaggle Tooth be grown outdoors?

A.Yes, it can be grown outdoors as long as the spot gets good light and drainage. In a Japanese midsummer, keep an eye on it and add light shade if needed, and since it doesn't tolerate cold, bring it into a sunny room for the winter.

Q.Why does it grow so slowly?

A.The ivory variegated portions of the leaves contain less chlorophyll, making photosynthesis less efficient there than in the green parts. As a result, it grows noticeably slower than a plain green titanota.

Q.How big does it eventually get?

A.Given enough time, it can reach roughly 45cm in height and 120cm in spread. Because growth is so slow, reaching that size takes many years.

Q.Is this a good plant for beginners?

A.This cultivar is generally considered suitable for experienced growers rather than beginners. It's best attempted once you're comfortable managing watering timing and placement for agaves.

Q.What happens to the plant after it flowers?

A.As with other perennial agaves, the rosette that flowers will die back afterward. However, offsets growing at the base carry the plant into its next generation.

Handy Growing Tools for Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth'

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