Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated
IntermediateAgave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani Nishiki'
A small variegated isthmensis: short, thick blue-green leaves edged in cream, with reddish-brown teeth running along the margins. Palm-sized, with leaves shaped like a horseshoe crab's shell.
About
'Ohi Kabutogani Nishiki' is a variegated form of Agave isthmensis, a small species from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, southern Mexico; it is also sold as 'Kabutogani Nishiki'. A. isthmensis was described in 1993 after long being treated as a form of A. potatorum, and in Japan it is also called 'Raitei'. Kabutogani ('horseshoe crab') has broad, thick leaves shaped like the crab's shell and adjacent teeth that fuse into continuous bands; this is its variegated form. A Japanese plant guide notes that the variegation is mostly marginal, with some plants centre-striped or speckled. A US specialist nursery offers a plant as 'Kabuto Gani' with thick, deeply scalloped blue leaves and a wide creamy border, reaching about 30 cm tall and wide, and reports that its plants did not die or decline after flowering. Whether the 'Ohi' prefix marks a separate, smaller line from plain Kabutogani Nishiki cannot be confirmed from published sources. It is a popular cultivar, widely sold in Japan by garden centres and online shops.
Size of the Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated
The Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated grows to About 30 cm tall and wide (often sold at palm size).
Temperature & humidity for the Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated
The ideal temperature for the Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated is 15〜30℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (the species is from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico)
Lifespan
Perennial; in the US, plants have been reported to survive flowering
Size
About 30 cm tall and wide (often sold at palm size)
Temperature
15〜30℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Bright, airy spot. Soften midsummer sun (e.g. through a sheer curtain) as the cream edges scorch easily.
Watering
Spring to autumn, water thoroughly once the mix dries; very sparingly in winter dormancy.
Temperature & Winter
Tender: it may be damaged or killed below 0°C. Keep it indoors in a bright spot over winter.
Soil & Repotting
Free-draining mix, e.g. hyuga pumice, akadama and pumice at about 4:4:2. Propagate from offsets.
Notes
Labels vary between Kabutogani Nishiki and Ohi Kabutogani Nishiki; variegation differs by plant, so check photos of the actual plant.
Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated?
The ideal temperature for Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated is 15〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated get?
The mature size of Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated is About 30 cm tall and wide (often sold at palm size). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated?
Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated: 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 isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated?
The price of Agave isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated 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 isthmensis: not listed
- Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed)
- MAFF plant variety registration database (no registered Agave varieties)
- HanaPrime plant guide: Agave isthmensis (cultivar comparison)
- Plant Delights Nursery: Agave isthmensis 'Kabuto Gani'
- San Marcos Growers: Agave isthmensis
- PUKUBOOK succulent encyclopedia: 王妃兜蟹錦
- 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 isthmensis: 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 isthmensis 'Ohi Kabutogani' variegated Listings
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