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, and some are found on Madeira. Tenerife is the center of diversity, with seven species. On Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, only Monanthes laxiflora occurs.
The species differ considerably in life and growth form. However, most species form stemless to short-stemmed rosettes of tiny, strongly fleshy leaves and do not exceed 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 well-draining soil.
General Care
Monanthes plants are easy to grow, 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, intense sunlight, and overwatering.
These succulents like a winter rest period, during which you should reduce watering to a bare minimum. They begin to grow in early spring, and watering should increase gradually until late spring, when the plants are in full growth. Water regularly during active growth, as long as the pot drains well and doesn't sit in a water tray.
Monanthes may attract various insects, but healthy plants should be nearly pest-free. Repot every 2 or 3 years to assess the plant's health and provide more space, taking care not to damage the sensitive roots.
During the growing season, applying fertilizer at quarter- or half-strength every other watering is usually enough.
Propagation
Monanthes are easy to propagate either by rosette cuttings or by seed.
Links
- Back to genus Monanthes
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus