Light: Bright light encourages active growth in mangave, but plants can handle lower light levels if overwintered indoors. Colors will intensify in better lighting.

Temperature: 50-90 F

Humidity: low

Water: Water when the top 2-4” of potting mix feels dry. You may only need to water 2 times each month (in winter even less).

Repotting: Repot as necessary every 2-3 years. Growth rate is determined by your plants water and light availability, but mangave are generally fast growers.

Rather than using a “cactus and succulent” potting mix that has no water retention, I encourage the use of fresh general purpose mix in combination with a sparing watering routine.

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per year. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

Mangave is a cross between Manfreda and Agave. That way, it has the speedy growth of Manfreda and the majesty of Agave. It is also adaptable to more conditions.

Can you believe that members of the Agavaceae family have now been reclassified in the asparagus family?! Check out the flower spike, and you’ll see why.

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Root decay caused by overwatering

• Mealybugs

• Soft brown scale

Is mangave pet safe?

Yes; although some of these hybrids are quite pokey.

Can I propagate mangave?

Some of the mangave hybrids throw pups (offshoots) quite readily. You can divide them, but don’t trade for capital gain because they are heavily patented by the breeder.