Mangave 'Mission to Mars' [plug]
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Highlights
Mangave 'Mission to Mars' PP29393: A common nickname for Mars is the Red Planet, and this Mangave gets its moniker due to the unique, intense red coloration from the leaves. 2.75" wide, thick green leaves are heavily speckled with burgundy red, with spots that bleed into each other for an overall red appearance. The red coloration is brought out best in direct sunlight. The 12" long leaves have an arching habit with the tips of the leaves curving downward. Margins curl upward to show off its cinnamon spines, a nice color complement to the red.
Please Note: Mature plant photos are reference only; plants will be shipped as a 1.5" rooted plug without a pot. Some plugs have a plastic netting around their roots that should be removed before planting.
Mangave are a relatively new phenomenon: a cross between Manfreda and Agave. These rare cultivars are expertly hybridized by Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens to combine the best of both parents. Though the have a similar form to a typical Agave, they are marked with spots and flush brilliant purple and red tones when grown in bright sun. Additionally, they grow about twice as fast as Agave and are far less spiny to the touch.
This variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow temporarily on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They thrive outdoors in partial to full sun with good drainage, i.e. gritty soil and containers with drainage holes. Mangave can tolerate a bit more shade and water than regular Agave, especially when they are establishing roots.
Product Size
1.5" Plug
Current Primary Color
Red
All Seasonal Colors
Green
Grow Zone (Hardiness)
Zone 9 (20F), Zone 10 (30F)
Recommended Light Conditions
Full Sun
Maximum Height
9"-12"
Maximum Rosette Size
Over 8"
Growth Habit / Shape
Loose Rosette
Special Characteristic
Fast Grower
THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 9 - 10
9
10
WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?
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Questions & Answers
Popular Questions
• Staff Answer
The spines are not sharp on 'Mission to Mars', and I see what you mean about similarity to 'Inkblot'.
I was just looking at these two in the greenhouse and they're pretty similar, especially in coloration. However, 'Inkblot' has leaves that are much narrower and generally longer than 'Mission to Mars' so structurally, they're fairly different.
As plugs, they're going to be very similar to each other anyway, on account of them being so immature. If they both were given time to grow and they were well taken care of (with strong light like you mentioned) their differences would quickly become apparent.
I was just looking at these two in the greenhouse and they're pretty similar, especially in coloration. However, 'Inkblot' has leaves that are much narrower and generally longer than 'Mission to Mars' so structurally, they're fairly different.
As plugs, they're going to be very similar to each other anyway, on account of them being so immature. If they both were given time to grow and they were well taken care of (with strong light like you mentioned) their differences would quickly become apparent.
• Staff Answer
No Mangave have been shown to have any anti-cancer properties. However, certain Agave have shown (in an in vitro setting) to have anti-cancer properties as well as protective properties. This research is extremely preliminary and much more research will need to be done before Agave can be safely used as treatment. Some Agave are toxic after all.
• Staff Answer
I would just pot it in a 3.5" pot to start.
As far as how often you'll have to repot it and how fast "faster than Agave" is depends on growing conditions. How much water will it get? How much sunlight? Is the soil well draining? Will you fertilize and, if you do, how much fertilizer will you give it? The answers to these questions will each affect the growing speed to the point where it's really not worth it to try and put an estimate on how fast it's going to grow.
I recommend just potting it in a 3.5" pot, growing it for a month or two, and then checking the root ball to see if it needs to be repotted. If the root ball fully permeates the pot, I'd repot it into a 5" or even 6" pot.
As far as how often you'll have to repot it and how fast "faster than Agave" is depends on growing conditions. How much water will it get? How much sunlight? Is the soil well draining? Will you fertilize and, if you do, how much fertilizer will you give it? The answers to these questions will each affect the growing speed to the point where it's really not worth it to try and put an estimate on how fast it's going to grow.
I recommend just potting it in a 3.5" pot, growing it for a month or two, and then checking the root ball to see if it needs to be repotted. If the root ball fully permeates the pot, I'd repot it into a 5" or even 6" pot.
• Staff Answer
The plugs arrive with some soil around the roots, as shown in the first product photo. However, they are not potted.
• Staff Answer
Hi there!
The limited tag just means that we don't have a whole lot of that plant, and propagating it takes a lot of time. Plants with the limited tag can only be ordered once per order. In other words, you can only order one of them at a time.
The exclusive tag means that we're the only major outfit that sells that particular plant. You may be able to find an Etsy or Ebay listing, but no major nurseries are selling it, with the exception of us. These plants are rare, and typically exciting, but they're going to be a bit pricey.
I hope this all helps!
The limited tag just means that we don't have a whole lot of that plant, and propagating it takes a lot of time. Plants with the limited tag can only be ordered once per order. In other words, you can only order one of them at a time.
The exclusive tag means that we're the only major outfit that sells that particular plant. You may be able to find an Etsy or Ebay listing, but no major nurseries are selling it, with the exception of us. These plants are rare, and typically exciting, but they're going to be a bit pricey.
I hope this all helps!
• Staff Answer
Shop Succulent Soil Here
Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.
IN POTS…
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• Staff Answer
Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.
Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.
• Staff Answer
Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.
Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength
• Staff Answer
Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.
HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS
- Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
- Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
- Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…
• Staff Answer
Different succulent varieties have different light needs. You can find the Recommended Light Conditions on each variety's page by scrolling down to the Product Details. We use four categories of recommended light, and some plants can thrive under a range of light conditions.
LOW INDOOR LIGHT
- Can grow indoors without direct sun.
- Placing outdoors in direct sun or on sunny window sills might cause dark burns.
- There are a limited number of succulent varieties that thrive in low light, notably Haworthia, Gasteria, Peperomia, and some Jade…
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Customer Reviews
5
Out of 5.0
Overall Rating
100%
of customers that buy this product give
it a 4 or 5-Star rating.
April 2, 2025 by Paul R. (Florida , United States)
“Healthy plant package and shipped well. Very pleased with purchase.”
Mangave plant are a good buy.
April 5, 2024 by Calvin H. (Texas, United States)
“Good price. Good buy; it is growing well.”
Mission to Mars
December 21, 2023 by Patricia (United States)
“The red color is fantastic.”
