Scientific Name
Manfreda undulata 'Chocolate Chips'
Common Names
False Agave
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Manfreda
Description
Manfreda undulata 'Chocolate Chips' is a low-growing plant that forms a rosette of long green leaves with chocolate spots and wavy-edged margins. The rosette grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter. Once they are mature, Manfredas typically flower annually, and unlike Agaves, they do not die after they bloom. The bloom spike can reach up to 8 feet (2.4 m) and bears interesting burgundy brown flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 7a to 10b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Manfreda is a tender perennial or "temperennial" succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. Since the plant has a rather large root system, the container should be at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep. Manfreda is a slower grower, so it will not quickly overtake the space allotted in the landscape.
When the plants are actively growing in summer, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. During the winter months, the plants should be allowed to dry and stored in a cold room at 48°F (9° C). Plants are watered only enough to keep the foliage from shriveling.
Manfredas are propagated by the removal of offsets and from fresh seed. Fresh seeds germinate in 7- 21 days at 68 to 72 °F (19 to 22 °C).
See more at How to Grow and Care for Manfreda.
Origin
This succulent is a cultivar of Manfreda undulata.
Links
- Back to genus Manfreda
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
