Monilaria

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Monilaria is a miniature amazing succulent. The stems are very short, strong, woody and light brown in color, branched, bearing the remains of old leaves. At the tops of the shoots, a round leaf with a slit in the middle first appears, from which a pair of long, up to 6 cm, light green leaves, round in cross-section, develop. In appearance, the leaves often resemble hare ears. In some specimens, the leaves seem to be covered with dew - these are special glands that serve to store moisture reserves. In summer, this succulent surprises with the appearance of very bright, chamomile-like, single flowers up to 3.5 cm in diameter, white, yellow or pink. As the plants age, they form dense clumps.

Height. 22 - 30 cm, grows slowly.

Growing at home

Temperature conditions

In the warm season, normal room temperature is suitable, in the winter dormant period - coolness of about 10° C.

Lighting

Place the plant in a brightly lit area without direct sunlight.

Care

Representatives of this genus are quite demanding when grown at home and can be looked after by professionals. In summer, the succulent can be taken outside, protected from wind and rain.

Substrate

Light, porous, well-drained soil, consisting of turf soil, leaf humus and the addition of coarse river sand and perlite to improve drainage.

Feeding

Apply fertilizer for cacti and succulents at half strength monthly in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, feeding is stopped.

Purpose

Monilaria can be used as a groundcover plant that also blooms.

Flowering time

The buds form over a long period of time - from July to November, but achieving flowering indoors is not so easy.

Air humidity

Keep the bush in dry air, no spraying is required. Provide good air circulation, while avoiding cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water moderately during active growth, allowing the top 5 cm of soil to dry out before each subsequent watering. In winter, keep almost dry. When watering, try not to get water on the leaves and stems of the plant. 

Transfer

Replant the bush only if you need to change the soil. This species develops slowly and can remain in one pot for many years. Monilaria prefers slightly cramped conditions - this promotes flowering.

Reproduction

Leaf cuttings take root in damp sand in summer. Dry the cut area for 5 - 7 days. Seeds can be sown in spring and summer in damp sand. 

Pests and diseases

High air humidity will lead to leaf and stem rot, as well as bacterial leaf rot. Excess nutrients lead to leaf wilting. Monilaria leaves are too tough for harmful insects.

Varieties of monilaria:

Monilaria obconica

A very attractive miniature plant - a succulent with green leaves that resemble bunny ears. The leaves are light green, long, round in cross-section, covered with sparkling glands that store droplets of moisture in case of drought. When grown in direct sunlight, the leaves may take on a burgundy hue. The stems are dense, vertical, woody with age. The flowers are pink.