Monanthes is a genus of small subtropical succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family. About ten species are mainly endemic to the Canary Islands and the Savage Islands, some found on Madeira. Its center of diversity is Tenerife, with seven species occurring on this island. On Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, only Monanthes laxiflora occurs.
The species differ considerably in life and growth form. However, most species make stemless to short-stemmed rosettes of tiny, strongly fleshy leaves and do not reach more than 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter.
Growing Conditions
Light: Monanthes plants thrive in light shade and full sun.
Temperature: Keep the soil dry at temperatures between 40 and 50 °F (5 and 10 °C) in winter. These plants can tolerate sporadic light frost if the soil is kept dry. Therefore, they are hardy to USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Soil: Monanthes need soil that drains quickly.
General Care
Monanthes plants are easily grown, even in very small pots. They all like hot, sunny spots and well-drained soil to thrive. The only things that can kill these plants are cold, blasting the sun, and overwatering.
These succulents like to have a winter rest period where watering should be reduced to a bare minimum. They will begin to grow in early spring, and watering should be increased gradually until late spring, when the plants should be in full growth. Water regularly during active growth as long as the pot is allowed to drain and not sit in a water tray.
Monanthes may be attractive to various insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free. Repot it every 2 or 3 years to evaluate the plant's health and provide a larger growing space, being careful not to damage the sensitive roots.
During the growing season, fertilizer applied at a quarter or half strength at every other watering should be sufficient.
Propagation
Monanthes are easy to propagate either through rosette cuttings or seeds.
Links
- Back to genus Monanthes
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus