How to Grow and Care for Mangave Lavender Lady

The Mangave ‘Lavender Lady’ is a hybrid plant from a cross between the Manfreda and Agave genera, combining traits from both. This succulent forms a rosette of broad leaves with a smoky, silvery-lavender color, often accented with faint burgundy or dark purple spotting. Its soft, pliable spines make it more approachable than many of its Agave relatives.

‘Lavender Lady’ Care Guide

Light

To maintain its lavender hues, ‘Lavender Lady’ requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This full sun exposure helps it develop its best coloration and maintain a compact form. Inadequate light may cause the purple tones to fade, with the leaves reverting to a more olive green shade.

Soil

This succulent thrives in extremely well-draining soil. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is an excellent choice, or you can amend standard potting soil with materials like sand or perlite to improve drainage. Proper drainage is necessary to prevent water from stagnating around the roots.

Water

This hybrid has a high tolerance for drought, storing water in its thick leaves. Use the “soak and dry” method: water the soil thoroughly, then allow it to dry out completely before the next watering. Overwatering is a significant risk and can lead to root rot.

Temperature and Hardiness

‘Lavender Lady’ thrives in warm climates, specifically USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, and performs well in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). While it tolerates heat, it is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from freezing. In colder regions, grow it in a container that can be moved indoors during the winter.

Fertilizer

This plant has low fertilizer requirements. A light feeding with a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the spring and summer is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause weak growth. Suspend feeding during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.

Planting and Placement

‘Lavender Lady’ can be planted in a container or directly in the ground. For containers, select a pot with adequate drainage holes for placement on patios or balconies with sufficient light; note that container plants may require more frequent watering. For in-ground planting, this Mangave is an excellent choice for rock gardens or sunny borders. It is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and its slow growth habit means it will not become invasive.

Propagating Mangave ‘Lavender Lady’

This Mangave is most commonly propagated through offsets, or “pups,” that develop at the base of the mother plant. It is best to wait until an offset has grown to a reasonable size before removing it. Use a clean, sharp knife to carefully cut the pup away from the main rosette. Allow the cut end of the offset to dry and form a callus for a few days; this step is important to prevent rot. Once callused, the pup can be planted in its own pot with a well-draining succulent mix.