Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:29 pm
The man-made mangave tooth fairy is native to the Hawaiian Islands, so it’s important to follow some specific care tips in order to successfully propagate the species.
Without proper care, the mangave tooth fairy can become very ill and even die from a fungal infection that they’re particularly susceptible to.
This fascinating herbaceous perennial succulent plant has been used since ancient times as an aphrodisiac and sedative, but it can be tricky to grow in greenhouses because of its very specific light and soil requirements.
It’s also endangered in the wild due to habitat destruction, so propagating it yourself will ensure you’ll have plenty to share with your friends and family.
Origin and distribution
Mangave tooth fairy are native to the hot, dry climate of the American Southwest and Mexico. They have been used as ornamental plants since the Victorian era, when they were first introduced to Europe.
The tooth fairy is a popular cultivar of Mangave tooth fairy that is characterized by its white-streaked leaves. Mangave tooth fairy is easy to care for and propagate, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. As long as you provide your mangave with bright sunlight and plenty of water, it will thrive.
In order to keep your plant happy, avoid overwatering or underwatering it (the soil should be moist but not soggy). There is also a dwarf variety of mangave that grows up to 3 feet tall.
Mangave tooth fairy propagation
Mangave tooth fairy are easy to propagate by division or leaf cuttings. I like to divide because it’s faster and you end up with more plants. For leaf cuttings, choose a healthy leaf and cut it into 2-3 inch pieces.
Stick the pieces in moistened potting mix and keep them warm and humid until they root. Plant them out in their permanent position after all danger of frost has passed.
When planting, place your Mangave tooth fairy at least 12 inches from any other plant (to avoid disease) and 18 inches from walkways or your home foundation (to prevent rodents).
Keep them well watered and fertilized during the first year so that they can establish a good root system. In late winter, when new growth emerges, prune off last year’s growth down to ground level. Mangave tooth fairy requires little care once established.
Mangave tooth fairy care information
Mangave tooth fairy are a type of succulent that originates from Mexico. They are characterized by their thick, fleshy leaves that have interesting patterns and colors.
Mangaves are easy to care for and make great houseplants. When it comes to watering, let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Mangave tooth fairy can tolerate some neglect, but will not tolerate being constantly wet.
Light requirement
Mangave tooth fairy are native to very sunny, hot climates and thus require a lot of bright light to do well indoors. A south-facing window is ideal, but if you don’t have one, you can supplement with grow lights.
Keep in mind that mangroves prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. For this reason, it’s important to keep your plant on the dry side by watering less often than other houseplants.
Soil/potting mix
Mangaves are native to Mexico and thrive in hot, dry conditions. A well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal. You can also create your own mix by combining one part perlite or sand with two parts of potting soil. Be sure to add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
Watering
Mangaves are drought-tolerant, so they don’t need a lot of water. In fact, too much water can be harmful. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. If you’re not sure, it’s better to err on the side of too little water rather than too much.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. The leaves will wilt if the plant is watered too often. The roots will also rot if given too much water and won’t be able to absorb nutrients.
Fertilizer
Mangaves are heavy feeders and will benefit from a regular fertilizer regimen. A slow-release fertilizer applied every two to three months is adequate. For best results, use a fertilizer with a ratio of 2-1-2 or 3-1-3.
Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves. Water thoroughly after applying fertilizer. As with most plants, mangaves do better in soil that drains well.
Provide plenty of organic matter such as compost or rotted manure to improve soil texture and drainage. Soil should be able to support your index finger when pressed gently into it.
Temperature
Mangaves are tropical plants and prefer warm temperatures. They will do best in an environment that is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off. Too much heat can also be damaging, causing the leaves to wilt and the plant to go into shock.
Humidity
Mangaves are native to dry, arid climates and prefer low humidity. If you live in an area with high humidity, you’ll need to take extra care of your plant to prevent rot.
Water your mangage only when the soil is dry to the touch and make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Consider placing your plant on a pebble tray or grouping it with other plants to increase air circulation.
The ideal humidity range is between 40-60%. To raise the humidity level, mist plants with tepid water two to three times per day (be careful not to get too close as some varieties can be sensitive to moisture). You can also place a dish under your pot filled with gravel or stones; this will help wick up moisture from the bottom of the pot.
Pruning
You can prune your mangave at any time to shape it or remove damaged leaves. To do so, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the leaves cleanly at the base.
Avoid crushing or tearing the leaves, as this can damage the plant. Always sterilize your tools before pruning by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol.
If you are just starting out with the mangave tooth fairy and want to propagate one of your plants into more, consider using rooting hormone and succulent potting mix.
Place the bottom inch of the stem in rooting hormone then carefully place in the soil mixture, up to an inch deep. Mist water over top until the soil is damp and keep moist for two weeks before removing from the container and placing it in the desired location outside.
When to repot
Mangaves are typically fast-growing plants that will need to be repotted every one to two years. If your plant becomes rootbound, it will stop growing and producing new leaves. To avoid this, always use a pot that is one size larger than the current pot.
When repotting, be sure to handle the plant carefully as the leaves are fragile and can easily be damaged. It’s best to remove just a few roots at a time before replanting them into the new pot. Make sure you have well-draining soil with organic matter added for moisture retention in the base of the pot.
As with most houseplants, make sure there is plenty of room for air circulation around the leaves so that they dry out quickly after watering and don’t rot from overwatering or damping-off diseases caused by fungi such as Rhizoctonia solan.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Mangave tooth fairy is semi-succulents, which means they require a dormant or winter rest period. This is the time of year when they are slowing down their growth and preparing for their next growing season.
During this time, it is important to reduce watering and fertilizing. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and only fertilize every other month. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to provide some protection from freezing temperatures.
One way to do this is by covering your pot with an overturned pot that has drainage holes drilled into the bottom. You can also use a plastic bag or make one by cutting off the bottom half of a gallon milk jug so that there are two open ends with slits cut into them for ventilation.
Flowers & fragrance
The Mangave tooth fairy is a beautiful, fragrant plant that makes an excellent addition to any home. The flowers are white and pink, and they have a very sweet smell. The plant grows best in full sun, and it is very easy to care for. propagation is easy and can be done by stem cuttings or division.
Growth rate
Mangave tooth fairy are one of the fastest-growing succulents, and the tooth fairy is no exception. In just a few weeks, you can see new leaves sprouting from the center of the plant. The tooth fairy grows best in bright light and can tolerate some direct sun. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, and be sure to drain any excess water from the saucer.
Toxicity
All parts of the mangave plant are poisonous if ingested. The sap can cause skin irritation and blistering. The leaves are sharp and can cause cuts. The flowers are beautiful but don’t let that fool you, they’re just as dangerous as the rest of the plant. If you suspect your child has come into contact with a mangave, call poison control immediately.
USDA hardiness zones
Mangave tooth fairy plant thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. The key to propagating mangave tooth fairy is keeping the soil moist, but not wet. Over-watering can lead to fungal infections and root rot.
Allow the soil to dry between watering, and never let it get too hot or cold for your plants. Your mangave tooth fairy will reward you with its beautiful blooms!
Pests and diseases
Mangave tooth fairy is generally pest and disease-free. However, mealybugs and scale can be a problem. If you see these pests, treat them with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Watch for leaf spots and powdery mildew. These can be treated with fungicides.
Root rot can be a problem if the plant is overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid this issue. The most common symptom of root rot is wilting.
Plants that suffer from root rot need to be removed from the pot and roots trimmed before planting into a fresh potting mix. The plant will take time to recover, but it should grow new roots eventually.
