Mangave 'Praying Hands'

Autumn-Winter · Outdoors

Keep dry during dormancy

Keep dry during the period of dormancy or resting, which is likely to be from the middle of the autumn until spring.

Autumn · Planting

Remove offsets to create new plants

Offsets are small plants or shoots that develop around the parent plant. They should have developed a root system of their own before they are detached. They can be planted directly, or grown in pots if so small they could be 'lost' in the garden.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

General houseplant fertiliser

Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed occasionally

This plant doesn't need too many nutrients. Feed occasionally in the growing season. Don't feed in winter. Follow the feed manufacturer's directions for the amount of feed to use.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Water in Spring-autumn only, when compost is dry

Water when the compost is dry, allowing the compost to dry between waterings. Keep the plant dry in winter so that it stops growing and has a "rest period".

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Soak completely when watering

Water until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away the excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging which can cause "root rot".)

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during drought

In drought conditions where established plants in the ground have had no water for a month, do a deep watering. If drought continues repeat after a fortnight. Plants only need watering during spring to autumn growth. Check plants in pots more often.

Established plants are drought tolerant but benefit from water after a month or so. Ensure that water does not sit around the base of the plant which can cause rotting. Pebbles and stones tucked round its base can be beneficial.

Indoor temperature · Planting

Any room, min 5C/41F

This plant will thrive in warm, average and cool rooms. The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 5C/41F.

Compost · Planting

Cactus compost for repotting

Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.

You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, but not mid-summer sun

This plant likes a sunny spot and needs full light at all times, but not the mid-summer sun which is too intense and can scorch the plant.