Scientific Name
Monanthes polyphylla (Aiton) Haw.
Synonym(s)
Monanthes polyphylla subsp. polyphylla, Petrophyes polyphylla, Sempervivum monanthes, Sempervivum polyphyllum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Monanthes
Description
Monanthes polyphylla is an attractive much-brunched succulent with slender creeping stems that bear small cone-like rosettes of green cylindrical or club-shaped leaves. It grows up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall, forming dense clumps. Rosettes are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The unusual flowers are yellow to orange or purplish and appear at the end of up to 8 inches (20 cm) long stalks from spring to summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °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 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 can drain and not sit in a water tray.
Monanthes may attract 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.
Origin
This species is native to the Canary Islands.
Links
- Back to genus Monanthes
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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