Monanthes muralis

Scientific Name

Monanthes muralis (Webb ex Bolle) Christ

Synonyms

Petrophyes muralis, Monanthes subcrassicaulis, Petrophyes muralis subsp. subcrassicaulis, Sempervivum monanthes var. subcrassicaule

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Monanthes

Description

Monanthes muralis is a dwarf, densely branched succulent shrub with dull green, slightly furrowed leaves with red spots. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Leaves are oval and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. Flowers are whitish-pink, circular with a raised center, and surrounded by short points giving the effect of a many-pointed star. They are up to 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, carried on a thin pedicel.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Monanthes are easily grown in even very small pots in any rich, well-drained, rocky soil in a sunny spot. Keep plants drier in winter in full sun and at a minimum of 10° F (10° C). They take very little place in the collection and are asking very little attention.

The only things that can kill these plants are cold, hot, blasting the sun, and overwatering. It likes a winter's rest and should be kept dry during the winter months. The plant will begin to grow from early spring, and watering should be increased gradually until late spring when the plant should be in full growth. Water regularly during the growing period so 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 health of the plant and provide a larger growing space being careful not to damage the sensitive roots.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Monanthes.

Origin

Monanthes muralis is native of rocky cliffs on Canary Islands (El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palmaon).