This plant is characterized by long dark green leaves. The plant looks like the pineapple head and thus the name Pineapple Express. It has burgundy spots like many other members of this species. They make it an excellent ornamental plant.
| Family: | Agavaceae/Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Mangave |
| Scientific Name: | Mangave Pineapple Express |
| Growth Season: | Spring to autumn |
| Preferred Temperature: | 15.5oC (60oF) give or take a few degrees. Winter is hardy to between -6.6 and – 3.8oC (20-25oF) if the temperature remains in that position for a short time. |
| Hardiness Zone: | USDA Zone 9-11 |
| Average Mature Height & Width: | It rises to an average of 9-10 inches with a 16-18 inch spread. |
| Dormancy: | Its growth slows down in winter. |
| Toxicity: | When ingested or touched, it is not toxic to humans or pets. |
Mangave Pineapple Express Physical Characteristics
The plant has long hardy leaves. Its leaves are lanceolate, and they are minty-blue-green leaves. The spear-shaped leaves have a spear-like finish because they are sharply pointed. Also, their margins are lined with spines. These leaves have an average of ten-inch length. The dark burgundy leaves accentuate the appearance of the already unique foliage hue. It is not monocarpic like many plants in the Mangave genus, an attribute they get from the Agave side of the family.
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Mangave Pineapple Express Care
You should water the plant sparingly to prevent waterlogging, as this makes it vulnerable to root rot. However, watering should be more frequent in the warmer seasons, from spring to autumn. Additional watering is necessary because these are the plant’s active seasons, and spring and summer warmth will cause moisture in the substrate to evaporate faster.
Feed it with a dilute, slow-release, liquid fertilizer three times a year. The feeding is best done at the beginning of spring because the plant will utilize the fertilizer well throughout the growing season. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen.
The substrate you grow should have high gravel content or pumice to facilitate drainage. Well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes reduce the possibility of overwatering since it won’t retain water. Use the soak and dry watering method to water it. It is the easiest way to avoid root rot.
Keeping it under low light reduces its leaves’ darkness, slows growth, and makes the plant leggy while reducing rosette density (read more about the low light succulents). Move it to a shade if the sun isn’t scorching.
DO YOU KNOW? Caring (propagating, pruning/trimming, beheading, watering, …) is a set of skills that is widely applicable to succulents. Read the in-depth guide here >>
Richard Miller – Succulent City
Mangave Pineapple Express Growth
Many plants in this genus are monocarpic, a habit inherited from the agave side of the plant’s parentage. In some instances, they produce offsets after flowering. Check to see if your plant produces them and uses them for propagation. Alternatively, you can use leaf cuttings or plant division.
It rarely needs pruning, but you should remove any dead or drooping leaves at the base of the plant to keep it neat. As a fast-growing plant, it will likely outgrow its pot a few times in its lifetime. Repot it when it doubles in size. It can be attacked by some pests such as mealybugs, thrips, eriophyid mites, and scale. Control them using organic systemic or contact pesticides. However, keeping the plant healthy is the best defense against these pests.
Before you leave …
You can see all plants from the Mangave genus on Succulent City on this page. Or the previous/next plant:
ABOUT ME
Richard | Editor-in-chief at Succulent City
Hey everyone! I’m Richard. Welcome to my blog, which is all about succulents, cacti, and a bit about air plants. Ten years back, in 2013, I began my journey with succulents. It started as a simple hobby, crafting and selling charming succulent-themed pins and decorations. But as time passed, my fascination with these remarkable plants grew, and I gained extensive knowledge about them. Therefore, Succulent City is the blog as you see it is now. Enjoy your visit and happly planting!