Identification: Mystery Office Plant

I'm new to taking care of plants, so hopefully I don't offend anyone with this question:

A close friend at work left our company and asked that I take care of her plant. Kind of an odd request, but I agreed to watch over it. Any idea what kind of plant this is?

Any help is much appreciated. Cheers!

[photo attached]

 

Looks like Agave americana variegata. See...

http://images.google.com/images?um=...GAVE AMERICANA VARIEGATA&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

 

I would agree with you, however after reading some articles about the AGAVE AMERICANA VARIEGATA, I noticed some dissimilarties:

1. The leaf edges don't have spikes on them. They are smooth.
2. The yellow edges are not as pronounced as the images of the AGAVE AMERICANA VARIEGATA.
3. Most of the leave tips point towards the ground...with the exception of the very center ones.

I might be completely wrong with my assumptions, but this is just my observations. Any additional input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Looks like a dracaena, but the leaf markings are not familiar to me.

 

Dear officeplant,

This is a challenge, however the real question is how well did you know this good friend of yours?

Please discard of the plant immedietly. My professional eye is telling me this is a "veno phyllon" - long story short a very rare plant that is sometimes mistaken for a common houseplant. It contains at least 16 toxic principles - primarily in the roots and is released when fully mature (typically around year 2-3). Once fully mature, the toxins released may cause painful and sometimes violent convulsions. On some occasions, it can result in extreme nervous excitement.

Officeplant, I suggest you discard immedietly.

Best,

iplantflowers

 

HA! Well done. You've cracked the case!

Hypothetically ~ if the plant wasn't the dreaded veno phyllon, any other suggestions as to what it might be?

Thanks.

 

My first thought was Agave. Plant just doesn't say "Dracaena" to me.

Is that a Ficus in the background...?

Dunno about Veno phyllon, but what a great name for a graphic novel villain!

 

Close. It's a 'fake' ficus. Our office has this affinity to fake plants...which is partially the reason why I am determined to keep this 'real' plant alive. Ha.

I agree, after some research this is definitely in the Agave family. Just trying to determine the specifics still.

 

Check out Agave desmettiana variegata.It is known as the smooth Agave. See....

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=DESMETTIANA VARIEGATA&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

 

Luddite is correct it's Agave desmettiana ‘El Mirador’s Gold’

 

At which point, it being an Agave, you can care for it best by watering it once every two weeks or so.

 

Excellent! Thanks everyone for their input. I do appreciate the comments/help.

On a side note, I noticed the leaves are getting dusty and dulling the color. Is there a "proper way" to clean leaves? Or just water on a paper towel?

Thanks again.

 

You've got it exactly - a damp cloth or paper towel will do the trick.

 

After reading the post by iplantflowers, out of curiosity, I looked up for toxins and poisons for this Agave, see ....Page 3 for the key, and page 6 for Agave desmettiana. It has the all clear under toxins!

http://www.tucsonaz.gov/planning/pr...nlandscape/2007 Plant List_apha_botanical.pdf

P.S.I forgot to say welcome to these forums officegarden!!!

 

Great question, newbie!

I suggest taking the plant in a small, poorly ventilated room. Mix one part amonia, one part water and one part bleach. This should knock the dust right off!

Best,
iplantflowers