Source: Wikimedia Commons
Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'
IntermediateAgave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'
The variegated squid agave: soft, spineless, arching narrow leaves in pale green with a creamy-white margin. A rare agave you can handle without getting stabbed.
About
'Monterrey Frost' is the cream-edged form of Agave bracteosa, a species of steep rocky slopes and cliffs in the mountains near Monterrey, Nuevo León, and Saltillo, Coahuila, in north-eastern Mexico. A. bracteosa has no marginal teeth and a soft tip, and its pliable, arching narrow leaves have earned it the name squid agave. This cultivar adds a creamy-white margin to pale green, slightly sandpapery leaves. According to US nursery records, it had circulated among Californian collectors for over a decade before Tony Avent obtained it in 2007 from Quail Botanical Gardens (now San Diego Botanic Garden) and sent it for tissue culture, which made it widely available. Mature plants reach about 30 cm tall and 45 cm wide and offset sporadically. The white edge scorches in strong sun and makes the plant less cold-hardy than the species. In Japan it is also sold as 'Bracteosa Nishiki', but it is not common and appears only occasionally at specialist nurseries.
Size of the Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'
The Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' grows to About 30 cm tall and 45 cm wide.
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (the species is from the mountains of Nuevo León and Coahuila, NE Mexico)
Lifespan
Perennial; offsets once mature and flowers only at great age
Size
About 30 cm tall and 45 cm wide
Temperature
5〜40℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Bright part shade suits it and keeps the white edge from scorching.
Watering
Drought tolerant; occasional watering once the mix is dry is enough.
Temperature & Winter
US growers advise protecting it below about -7°C; the variegation makes it less hardy than the species.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix. Mature plants offset and can be divided.
Notes
No sharp teeth, so it is easy to handle, but the pliable leaves can crease; take care when moving the pot.
Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' get?
The mature size of Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' is About 30 cm tall and 45 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'?
Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost': watering & fertilizer — Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'?
The price of Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES) query for Agave bracteosa: not listed
- Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed)
- MAFF plant variety registration database (no registered Agave varieties)
- San Marcos Growers: Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'
- Plant Delights Nursery: Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost'
- GBIF
- POWO
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices, and not designated as an Invasive Alien Species or Uncategorized Alien Species under Japanese law. It is not a registered variety under Japan's Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act (no Agave varieties were registered as of September 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES) query for Agave bracteosa: not listed / Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed) / MAFF plant variety registration database (no registered Agave varieties)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' Listings
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