Rancho-Type Variations

The classic Agave titanota doesn't correspond to the bold types commonly seen on the market. Instead, it's a cooler form with more moderate spines and long, blue-gray leaves.

Sierra-Type Variations

The bold types often seen in the market likely should be classified as A. oteroi . However, since they have long been traded horticulturally as "Titanota," and because it's difficult to strictly determine whether they are indeed oteroi on a scientific level (there may be natural hybrids between oteroi and titanota as well), it seems likely that "Titanota" will continue to be the accepted name in horticulture.

Agave titanota 'No. 1' No. 1

As the name suggests, this is the most popular cultivar. Slightly compact with bright green leaves and bold white spines, it is a hallmark Sierra-type Titanota. The photo shows the variegated form.

Agave titanota 'Noudai' Noudai ／ Agave titanota 'Ganryu' Ganryu

Before the names "Titanota" and even its native origin were clearly known, the mysterious, striking agave that arrived in Japan was given the Japanese name "No. 1." This can be considered the original “Titanota.” Since this "No. 1" came to be cultivated at Noudai (Tokyo University of Agriculture, Breeding Laboratory), it is also called "Noudai No. 1." Additionally, the Japanese kanji name "Ganryu" was given later to lend it a more dignified impression than the katakana name “No. 1.”

Thus, at their roots, "No. 1," "Noudai," and "Ganryu" all refer to the same individual plant—completely the "same cultivar."

However, when looking at real specimens in circulation, the "Noudai" tends to be a compact, thick-leaved ball type, while "Ganryu" is characterized by slender, sharp leaves and bold spines, giving different impressions.

Agave titanota 'Hakugei' Hakugei

This is likely a white-spined derivative of the No. 1 lineage above. Its spines and margins are thin and slightly wavey.

Agave titanota 'Black And Blue' Black And Blue

A selected variant of the Blue Ball type, characterized by black spines (in some images, the Blue Ball plants may appear even darker). The body has a muted gray color, earning it a strong core following.

Agave titanota 'White Ice' White Ice

A Sierra-type form distinguished by bright green, but with a blue-gray leaf coloration reminiscent of the Rancho type. This suggests it's likely selected from hybrids. Compared to Hakugei, you can really see how white its body is.

Red Catweazle @Agave titanota 'Red Catweazle'@(26226)

A variation with reddish leaves. When stressed by low temperatures and poor, lean soil, the leaves become a vivid red. There seem to be various forms—some with short leaves and prominent, notched teeth; some with deep green and tightly compact foliage and margins; some with bright green, slender leaves—however, these differences are fundamentally due to variations in growing conditions.

Agave titanota 'Solar Ecrips' Solar Ecrips

Known as "seasonal variegation," the center of new leaves turns white for a period right after they emerge.

Agave titanota 'Caesar' Caesar

A legendary cultivar marking the beginning of the “Titanota custom” of giving striking specimens original names. Dramatic, undulating teeth are its hallmark, and even as a young plant, this trait is apparent, making it comparatively easy to distinguish from established forms like No. 1.

Agave titanota 'Hades' Hades

A variety characterized by sharply extended, swirling top spines. Even young plants display distinctive features from an early stage.