Use SUMMER26 for 10% off all orders

Variegated Butterfly Agave

Rare

Variegated Butterfly Agave

Notify me when this product is available:

Size

Use code SUMMER26 to get 10% off all orders
Green thumb guarantee: If your plant care goes haywire within 6 months of your order, claim a $15 gift card for your plant.

  •   Variegated Butterfly Agave is a drought-tolerant succulent native to the mountainous regions of Oaxaca, Mexico, where it grows naturally in rocky, well-drained terrain. This collector succulent belongs to the Agave family and grows well in the intense heat and scarce rainfall of its desert habitat.

      It forms a tight, symmetrical rosette of broad, spoon-shaped leaves with creamy yellow-to-white margins that stand out sharply against the blue-green center. The soft, wavy teeth line the leaf edges, and each leaf tip carries a terminal spine, giving the plant its butterfly-wing silhouette. The rippled, cupped leaf structure defines the rosette, which typically reaches about 12 to 18 inches tall and wide at maturity.

      Like most agaves, it blooms only once in its lifetime, sending up a tall flower spike after many years of maturity. A drop in nighttime temperature typically triggers this bloom cycle, so outdoor growers in cooler climates may eventually observe flowering.

      You can leave it up to ten days without water. Place it on a high shelf or elevated surface since the leaf spines and sap can cause skin or paw irritation. Avoid positioning it directly in the path of air conditioning or heating vents. If you move it outside for summer, cover it during heavy rain to prevent root rot from waterlogging.

  •   Variegated Butterfly Agave grows well in partial to full sun, ideally near a bright south or west-facing window indoors.

      Water it deeply every 2 to 3 weeks in summer and reduce to once monthly or less in winter.

      Variegated Butterfly Agave does best in a fast-draining cactus and succulent mix amended with extra perlite or coarse grit.

      It prefers temperatures between 50 to 90°F and tolerates brief dips to around 25°F with protection.

      Variegated Butterfly Agave is a slow to moderate grower that needs only a light balanced fertilizer applied once in spring.

      It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, tolerating brief cold down to around 25°F before needing frost protection. It grows outdoors year-round in California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Nevada. Coastal areas of Oregon and Hawaii also fall within these zones.
  • Q: How often should I water Variegated Butterfly Agave?
    A: During the growing season, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. In winter, reduce frequency to once a month or less, since overwatering poses a greater risk to this drought-tolerant succulent than underwatering.

    Q: Is it safe around pets?
    A: Variegated Butterfly Agave is not safe for cats and dogs. The sap can cause skin or paw irritation on contact, and the spines pose an injury risk, so keep it on a high shelf well out of reach.

    Q: Can Variegated Butterfly Agave scorch in direct sunlight?
    A: Very intense south-facing glass in summer can occasionally brown the leaf tips. Rotate the pot periodically for even growth.

    Q: Is it possible to move this plant outdoors for summer?
    A: Variegated Butterfly Agave adapts well to outdoor placement in a sunny, sheltered spot during warm months. Provide cover from heavy rain to protect the roots from waterlogging, and bring it back indoors before the first frost.

    Q: How large does Variegated Butterfly Agave get?
    A: The compact rosette form suits container gardening and shelf placement in smaller spaces.

    Q: Is this plant considered rare?
    A: Variegated Butterfly Agave is considered a rare collector succulent and is harder to find than common agave varieties.

  • Hand-Packed with Care: Using recyclable wraps and crinkle paper, we ensure every succulent arrives healthy and in perfect condition.

    Processing: Shipped within 3-5 business days (Mon-Fri) year-round.

    Urgent Orders: Message us for shipping upgrades (additional cost).

    Destinations: We ship succulents to all 50 US states and territories, with the exception of Guam.

    Cold Weather: If under 40°F, please add a Heat Pack to your order for safety.

    🌵 For Succulents
    When your package arrives, you may notice a bit of loose soil in the box. This is completely normal during shipping.
    Please remove your plants from their packaging right away and follow the care instructions included with your order. Succulents prefer to dry out between waterings, so only water when the soil is completely dry.
    Succulents are resilient plants and typically recover quickly once they settle into their new environment. Give them a few days to adjust before placing them in direct sunlight, and avoid fertilizing right away.
    *** We pack carefully to protect each plant during transit, so larger orders may arrive in multiple packages

  • 🌿 14-Day Satisfaction Guarantee (Replacement or Refund)
    From arrival to long-term care, we’ve got you covered. We carefully pack every plant so it arrives happy and healthy. If something doesn’t look right when it gets to you, don’t worry, we’ll make it right.
    How it works:
    - Reach out within 14 days of delivery
    - Send us your order number and a couple of photos of your plant(s)
    - We’ll take care of you with a replacement or a refund

    👍 Green Thumb Guarantee (6-Month Extended Coverage)
    Still getting the hang of plant care? You’re not on your own. For up to 6 months from your order date, if your plants show serious decline or fail to survive, we’re here to help. You can claim a gift card to help you continue your plant journey.
    How it works:
    - This coverage continues after the 14-day guarantee
    - Gift card value starts at $15, with the opportunity for more based on your order
    - Total gift card value is capped at $50 per order
    - One claim per order or subscription
    - Gift cards are valid for 6 months from the date of issue
    - Just send your order number and a few photos of your plant(s) to support@succulentsbox.com, and we’ll take it from there.

  • Plants that make your space feel more alive, with support you can count on every step of the way.

    • 1,000+ Plants to Explore
    Including 600+ succulents, 400+ houseplants, and 70+ air plants and arrangements, all carefully selected

    • Made to Brighten Your Space

    Plants chosen to bring natural beauty, calm, and a little joy into your everyday life

    • Easy to Treat Yourself or Someone Else
    Choose from 30+ themed gift boxes or enjoy a 1, 3, 6, or 12-month subscription

    • 14-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
    If something isn’t right, just send your order number and photos and we’ll make it right

    • 6-Month Green Thumb Coverage
    Extra support if your plant shows serious decline or does not survive, with photo-based claims

    • Friendly, Real Support
    Our team is here whenever you need help along the way

    We’re building the most trusted place to shop plants online, with variety you’ll love and support you can rely on.