#mangave

×Mangave 'Mission to Mars'

A "Mangave" is a cross between a Manfreda and an Agave, with the preceding multiplication sign showing that it is of hybrid origin. In recent years, many botanists have favored including all of the Manfreda species within an expanded concept of Agave, in which case the plant shown would be Agave 'Mission to Mars', but it is still called ×Mangave in the horticultural trade. In any case, this plant is larger than most of the Mangave crosses, and it has striking reddish-purple leaves. The yellowish-green flowers are shown in the lower photo. Agave and Manfreda are part of what used to be known as the Agave Family, now treated as the subfamily Agavoideae within the Asparagus Family.

Plant of the Day

Monday 12 February 2024

The intergeneric hybrid x Mangave 'Moonglow' is the result of a cross between Manfreda x Agave. This half-hardy perennial is hardier than an Agave, faster-growing and lacking the vicious spikes on the leaves. The plant is ideal for summer containers as it is drought tolerant but needs protection from the winter damp and cold.

It’s true that the houseplant collection has been doing a lot of heavy lifting in terms of keeping me floating through all this mess. It’s also true that some have not been doing great (looking at you, mealybugs on succulents). At least my cacti don’t seem affected (yet?)

Victories lie in both jewel orchids doing quite well (both the macodes petola and the ludisia discolor, which I didn’t get a photo of to fit in here) as well as the first monstera Thai constellation leaf in my care (the cutting was a generous gift from a friend). Also the Hoya collection is growing, and the oldest plants in my collection are doing great, including the likely 10 year old Hoya compacta in the 6th photo. I remember when I bought her in 2013 for maaaaaybe $20? Damn, Hoya prices have SKYROCKETED these last two or so years. Anyway I think I’ve really latched onto hoyas as MY plants: I’ve never killed one and I’m finding success with each new one I bring in. Also THE BLOOMS.

Frank, my 8+ year old monstera, got a much needed pruning. Hopefully his pruned vines will propagate successfully and be a new plant for a friend.

Also someone stop the ficus elasticas: they are getting TOO POWERFUL. Last photo shows staghorn the third, who should have a name by now, after 3 months and 5+ new fronds. Maybe it’ll earn a name if it ever grows a basal/shield frond…