Agave 'Kissho Kan'

Agave 'Kissho Kan'

Agave 'Kissho Kan' is a Dwarf Variegated Butterfly Agave cultivar that will always stay small. It shouldn't get any larger than 12 inches high and wide. "Kissho Kan" is Japanese for happy or lucky crown. There are quite a few 'A. Kissho Kan' cultivars from Japan. This one is one of the most attractive with its creamy margins and reddish-brown terminal spines. Dwarf Butterfly Agave cultivars are highly prized in Japan, and they are also becoming popular with collectors in the United States.

A. 'Kissho Kan' cultivars, especially the varigated forms, are still hard to find in the United States. They are somewhat expensive even for a young specimen such as mine. I've seen very young A. 'Kissho Kan' cultivars selling on Ebay for up to $45.00. My Agave came from a cactus grower, so I know it is truly what it is labeled. Some of the plants on Ebay that are called A. 'Kissho Kan' are no more an A. 'Kissho Kan' than a rose! I've seen some Octopus Agave pups being passed off as A. 'Kissho Kan' and selling for $30.00. The poor buyers will be shocked when their so-called rare cultivars grow out of the pots and become huge Agave specimens. Regular Agave pups are a dime a dozen; people can't even give them away here in Arizona.

Potter Mark Muradian's beautiful handmade pot seems to be a good home for this little guy. It will always remain a container plant, sheltered from the intense summer sun in Phoenix, or frost in the winter. Other than that, it is cared for just like any other Agave. This is my second Dwarf Butterfly Agave. They are addictive!