The Mangave 'Falling Waters' is an exciting cross and a relatively new one between the Manfreda Maculosa and the Agave Ovatifolia. Characterized by a wide rosette of large blue-grey leaves speckled with pale lavender coloured flecks. Although leaves fold upwards and re-curve they cascade down over the pot giving it a very sculptural appearance. The colours become more pronounced in full sun. Leaves are heavily toothed. Great for exotic gardens, it's bold silhouette making a wonderful architectural centrepiece. Perfect for urban and rock gardens and very low maintenance. This mangave can produce sparse offsets.
In the summer, depending on the temperature, it means watering it every two to three weeks or even less frequently. In the winter, water only if the soil is dry, regardless of how long the period between watering is. While mangaves tolerate more water than agave, it is better to err on too little water than too much.
If you forget to feed your Mangave âPineapple Express,â do not feel guilty. It does not require more than a small dose of liquid fertilizer diluted in half. Feed your mangave once in spring and that is all it needs. Commercial growers who want their mangave to grow faster, feed them every time they water them. If you want your mangave to stay small, skip fertilizing completely.
Your mangave does need pruning but remove any damaged leaf from its base. The leaves most commonly get damaged when burnt from too much sun or when water accumulates in the plant rosette, causing the leaves to rot.
Mangave should be held at warm temperatures above 60° F through the winter. Extended cool temperatures can cause the plant to decline. It is best to provide light in the winter months to prevent the plants from stretching.
Its blue leaves are covered with faint spots that become more pronounced the more sun and heat this plant receives. The thick, toothed leaves naturally drape downward, and can be put to best effect in a container planter.