Scientific Name
Monanthes laxiflora (DC.) Bolle ex Bornmuller
Synonym(s)
Sedum laxiflorum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Monanthes
Origin
Monanthes laxiflora is native to the rocky walls of five of the seven Canary Islands (La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura).
Description
Monanthes laxiflora is a diffusely to densely branched succulent shrublet with almost spherical to lanceolate leaves on slender, decumbent or ascending stems, often later pendulous. It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm ) tall. Stems are slightly woody and somewhat tortuous. The thick fleshy leaves are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) thick. They are deep green to purple-red or nearly white to silvery in the drought or heavy sun exposition.
The inflorescences vary from tall and multiple-flowered to very small and few-flowered. The flowers also vary in size and range in color from greenish-yellow to greenish-purple and brown-red. They appear in spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Monanthes 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 the cold, hot, blasting sun, and overwatering. They like to have a winter rest period where watering should be reduced to a bare minimum. The plants will begin to grow in early spring, and watering should be increased gradually until late spring when the plant should be in full growth. During the growing period, water regularly as long as the plant 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, careful not to damage the sensitive roots.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Monanthes.
Links
- Back to genus Monanthes
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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