The Manfreda undulata ‘Chocolate Chips’ is a striking succulent perennial known for its unusual leaf patterns and wavy texture. This plant is highly drought-tolerant, making it a great addition to xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, or container displays where water conservation is a priority. 

The image features its incredibly wavy leaves and intense spotting.

Native to regions of Mexico and the southern United States, the most defining feature of ‘Chocolate Chips’ is its narrow, wavy-edged leaves marked with dark chocolate-brown to purple speckles, giving it a distinctive spotted appearance. The rosette grows low to the ground, creating a sculptural look.

At maturity, the plant generally reaches about 12 inches tall and 20 inches wide, making it suitable for smaller gardens or decorative pots.

Unlike agaves, which are often sharp and rigid, their leaves are softer and more manageable, making them friendlier to handle in the garden.

In spring to early summer, mature plants produce tall flower spikes that can reach several feet in height.

The flowers are tubular, often greenish with purplish tones, and are known to attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Butterflies

Bees

Hummingbirds

Lady Bugs

Multi Pollinators

Other Birds

Blooming is a special event for this plant, as the flower stalks are long-lasting and highly decorative. Like many agaves and Manfreda, it is a monocarpic species, meaning the individual rosette that blooms will eventually die back, though it often produces offsets before doing so.

When it comes to care, the Manfreda cherry chocolate chip prefers the soak-and-dry method of watering deeply, then allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. It grows best in well-drained succulent soil. Indoors, it should be placed in a bright location with at least 4–6 hours of sunlight.

Outdoors, it performs best in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates heat well but should be protected from frost.

It is hardy in USDA Zones 8–11, though it can be grown in containers and brought indoors in cooler regions.

Occasional fertilizing during the growing season with a balanced succulent fertilizer helps promote stronger growth.

Minimal pruning is required—just the removal of dead or damaged leaves. Propagation is typically done by separating offsets.

Its compact size and unique foliage allow it to be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on climate conditions, making it versatile for a variety of settings. It is also known as Mangave chocolate chip, or Manfreda undulata cherry chocolate chips.

Overall, the Manfreda undulata chocolate chip is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and visually distinctive succulent. With its adaptability to both container and landscape settings, unique patterned foliage, and wildlife-attracting blooms, it adds texture and character wherever it is planted. Easy to grow and care for, it is an excellent addition for collectors, succulent enthusiasts, and anyone looking to add an ornamental touch to their garden or indoor space.