Source: Wikimedia Commons
Agave desmettiana 'Variegata'
BeginnerAgave desmettiana 'Variegata'
A yellow-edged form of Agave desmettiana with bright green leaves and almost no marginal teeth. It forms an upright, urn-shaped rosette, grows fast and offsets freely.
About
'Venezuela' is the Japanese trade name for Agave desmettiana 'Variegata' (sold in Australia as 'Golden Moments'), a yellow-edged form. Despite the name, no link to Venezuela can be found in published sources; the species itself is Mexican. A US grower describes bright green leaves about 90 cm long and 10 cm wide rising in an urn-shaped rosette, with yellow variegation along the margins. Marginal teeth are minute or absent, leaving only a sharp reddish-brown tip spine. Plants reach about 60-90 cm tall and 90-120 cm wide, grow fast and offset freely, and plants raised from bulbils vary in variegation. The similar 'Joe Hoak' carries its cream stripe in the centre of the leaf with green margins, so the position of the yellow is the quickest way to tell them apart. Being nearly toothless it is popular as a house and patio plant, and in Japan it is widely sold as Venezuela or Venezuela Nishiki.
Size of the Agave desmettiana 'Variegata'
The Agave desmettiana 'Variegata' grows to 60-90 cm tall, 90-120 cm wide (leaves about 90 cm long).
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (the species is native to Mexico)
Lifespan
Perennial; the flowering rosette dies but offsets and bulbils carry on
Size
60-90 cm tall, 90-120 cm wide (leaves about 90 cm long)
Temperature
5〜40℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Full sun keeps it compact; indoors, give it the brightest window.
Watering
Drought tolerant. Water after the mix dries well; very little in winter.
Temperature & Winter
A US grower rates it to about -4°C and reports leaf damage after repeated nights at that level. Bring it under cover where frost occurs.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix. It offsets freely; repot and divide when the pot gets crowded.
Notes
The margins are almost toothless but the tip spine is sharp; mind where you place it around children and pets.
Agave desmettiana 'Variegata' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave desmettiana 'Variegata'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Agave desmettiana 'Variegata' get?
The mature size of Agave desmettiana 'Variegata' is 60-90 cm tall, 90-120 cm wide (leaves about 90 cm long). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Agave desmettiana 'Variegata'?
Agave desmettiana 'Variegata': 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 desmettiana 'Variegata'?
The price of Agave desmettiana 'Variegata' 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
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 desmettiana: 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.
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Agave desmettiana 'Variegata' Listings
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