Art & Sol™ Night Owl Mangave

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary succulent to add some drama to your patio or deck for the summer? Mangave hybrid ‘Night Owl’ is a great choice that is not only structurally interesting but amazingly easy to grow indoors or out. Night Owl has moody dark leaves that are perfect for combining with other succulents and cacti, or within a specialty black plant collection alongside mondo grass, Colocasia, and dark-leaved Penstemon. 

Mangave is a cross between Agave and Manfreda plants and features the best qualities of both parents. One of its best traits is a reduction in the size of spikes along the leaf margins, making this succulent easier to repot or transplant in the garden. Although the Mangave Night Owl is a tender perennial in USDA zones 9a-11b, it thrives as a houseplant and enjoys summers outdoors. Deer and rabbits are not likely to give the thick leaves a second glance.  

Art & Sol™ Night Owl Mangave Care

Mangaves tolerate partial shade, although their colors show best in full sun locations. They tolerate most soil types as long as the drainage is excellent. Unlike other succulents, Mangave can tolerate more moisture in the soil. Rock gardens, slopes, and sandy soils are ideal; for containers, use a potting mix that has plenty of horticultural grit or perlite added for drainage.

Fertilize container plants once a month during the spring and summer. A diluted liquid feed for succulents and cacti helps to support a strong root system and good foliage color. Watering once a week typically is plenty for a mangave. Mulch with a dry material such as pea gravel, crushed oyster shell, and slate chippings to keep soil from splashing on the leaves. 

Mangave does not require pruning, deadheading, or pinching back to keep its compact shape. During the late summer and throughout the winter, older leaves around the outside of the plant may begin to brown and dry up. These can be removed with a sharp pair of plant snips as close to the base as possible. Bring potted Mangaves indoors when the overnight temperatures fall to 50 degrees F, and grow them in a south or southwest-facing window over the winter. Reduce watering to once every 10-14 days and stop fertilizing altogether. 

Art & Sol™ Night Owl Mangave Spacing

The overall size of the Mangave Night Owl is fairly compact at 8 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Choose a pot that is 2-3 inches larger than the root ball for repotting, gradually moving up to a 12-inch diameter as the plant matures. Space each Mangave 18 inches, center to center, when planting into the garden.

Art & Sol™ Night Owl Mangave Information