×Mangave 'Spotty Dotty'

Scientific Name

×Mangave 'Spotty Dotty'

Scientific Classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Nothogenus: ×Mangave

Description

×Mangave 'Spotty Dotty' is a rosette-forming succulent that grows up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter. It gets its beautiful spots from its Manfreda blood and thick wide leaves from its Agave parentage. The leaves are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide, lightly wavy, blue-green, highlighted by many maroon spots, and edged with soft, plastic knife-like serrations.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

×Mangave 'Spotty Dotty' — *Photo via debraleebaldwin.com*

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 of the large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes very sharp thorns that can cause injuries to small children and even pets.

In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and take a long time to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plant 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

This succulent is a Hans Hansen hybrid involving 3 North American natives: Agave gypsophila, Agave bovicornuta, and Manfreda maculosa.