Monanthes muralis

Scientific Name

Monanthes muralis (Webb ex Bolle) Christ

Synonym(s)

Petrophyes muralis, Sempervivum monanthes var. murale

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Monanthes muralis is a densely branched succulent shrublet that forms small compact rosettes with dull green or often reddish leaves, usually hairy in the lower part and with raised spots at the apex. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Leaves are obovate, rounded, or somewhat acute, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) wide.

The flowers are 6- or 7-merous, up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, and consist of a crown of burgundy-tipped free carpels resting on a circle of overlapping pale tannish yellow petals. They appear in profusion from the center of the rosettes on up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long pedicels in early summer.

Origin

Monanthes muralis is the native Canary Islands. It grows in rocky crevices in El Hierro and La Palma mountains at elevations that range from 980 to 2,620 feet (300 to 800 m).

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 ask for 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 in 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.

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