Scientific Name
×Mangave 'Bloodspot'
Common Name(s)
Bloodspot Mangave
Synonym(s)
×Mangave 'Blood Spot'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Nothogenus: ×Mangave
Description
×Mangave 'Bloodspot' is a succulent that forms a compact rosette of gray-green leaves with a fine-toothed margin edged with maroon and dots of the same color. The rosette can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 15 inches (37.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are upright and measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The inflorescence can reach up to 3.3 feet (1 m) in height, bearing few-flowered heads. The flowers are brown with exserted stamens. Some consider this hybrid non-suckering and monocarpic, completely dying after flowering. Still, others have reported that the flowering rosette can live past the flowering event and that it will also occasionally sucker new rosettes to provide additional longevity.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Agaves are not difficult plants to grow. They are slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you are the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you are the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might be the way to go. Be aware that some large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes sharp thorns that can injure small children and pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most species commonly found in cultivation grow slowly and take long to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plants as little as possible since they do not like to be disturbed. When repot, refresh the spent soil with a new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot. However, be careful not to pot the Agave too deep, as that will encourage stem rot during the growing season.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
The origin of this apparent Agave and Manfreda hybrid is a bit of a mystery. Still, ×Mangave 'Bloodspot' is supposed to be a hybrid from Japan resulting from the cross between Agave macroacantha and Manfreda maculosa.
Links
- Back to nothogenus ×Mangave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
