Care of the succulent plant Manfreda maculosa or Texas tuberose |
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The genus Manfreda, family Asparagaceae, includes about 20 species of succulent plants native to the US, Mexico and Central America. Some species are: Manfreda maculosa, Manfreda guerrerensis, Manfreda potosina, Manfreda variegata, Manfreda elongata. Common names: Texas tuberose, Spice lily, Wild tuberose, Spice lily of Texas. Scientific synonyms: Agave maculata, Agave maculosa. This species is distributed throughout Mexico and Texas. They are perennial rhizomatous plants with short stems and rosette leaves that reach more than 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height when they flower. The fleshy, ribbed, lanceolate leaves are dark silver-green without spots or with lighter green, green, purple, or brown spots; the more sun they receive, the darker the spots. They produce a long inflorescence with scented greenish-white flowers that turn pink and red. They can bloom in spring and also in summer. Texas tuberose is used in rockery, on edges, on dry and sunny slopes and in pots for patios and terraces. Manfreda maculosa prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade. It resists occasional frosts if the substrate is dry. Spice lily of Texas grows in any soil that has good drainage; for example a commercial substrate for cacti if grown in a pot. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In winter reduce watering. Texas tuberose does not need fertilizer. Prune the wilted flower stem when flowering ends. Manfreda maculosa is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to the accumulation of water in the roots. Wild tuberose is propagated from spring sown seeds but it is a slow and complicated process. |
Images of the succulent plant Manfreda maculosa or Texas tuberose |
 Manfreda maculosa  Manfreda maculosa |