Monanthes

Family. Crassulaceae.

Description. Monanthes is a very variable species. It is often a profusely branching perennial succulent with creeping stems. Sometimes it forms dense rosettes of leaves up to 20 cm in diameter. Some species have stems densely covered with sessile leaves arranged in a spiral. The leaves are small - up to 2.5 cm long, juicy, thick, rounded or oblong, light green, burgundy or grayish. During the flowering period, the plants throw out tall hairy peduncles, on the tops of which are inflorescences with many small flowers about 0.5 cm in diameter. With age, dense colonies are formed.

Height. Often does not exceed 15 cm and grows slowly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature is suitable for growing monanthes. Tolerates cool temperatures in winter if kept dry. Avoid getting water on the leaves in winter. Minimum temperature 10°C. 

Lighting

A brightly lit area with plenty of reflected sunlight. Does not like direct sunlight. In strong light the plant remains compact.

Care

Representatives of the genus always remain compact and do not require much space for maintenance. As the succulent develops, the center often becomes bare. Separate stem cuttings from such specimens and root them in spring or early summer. In warm weather, take the succulent outside, protecting it from wind and rain.

Substrate

Any well-drained soil, sandy substrate with a very small amount of organic matter (peat, humus). Ideal drainage is essential. 

Feeding

Fertilize the flower once a month from spring to autumn, diluting the fertilizer to half the recommended dose.

Purpose

A very beautiful compact flower; a composition of several species in one pot looks good. Suitable for growing as a groundcover bush or an attractive flowering bonsai tree.

Flowering time

Spring Summer. 

Air humidity

In spring and summer, when temperatures are elevated, you should increase the humidity using a room humidifier. Spraying should be carried out with water at room temperature in the morning so that the moisture evaporates before dark. Place plants in a room with good air circulation. 

Soil moisture

Monanthes tolerate drought well, as do other succulents. Water regularly during warmer months, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in the fall and keep humidity low enough in the winter to prevent the leaves from wrinkling.

Transfer

Repot mature specimens every 2-3 years in a very porous substrate. Use a pot with large drainage holes. All species of this genus are best kept in shallow but wide pots. When repotting, try not to touch the delicate root system - use transshipment.

Reproduction

They are easily propagated by stem cuttings and a little more difficult by seeds.

Pests and diseases

The flower is prone to rotting.  Monanthes is vulnerable to mealybugs and spider mites. 

Monanthes species:

Monanthes muralis

Perennial succulent shrub up to 10 cm high. Stems are weakly branched and erect. The leaves are thick, juicy, pointed, green, pinkish or even dark brown; in young plants they densely cover the entire length of the stems. With age, the stems become woody and covered with brown bark. The flowers are white, pink, greenish or yellow, attractive, on vertical thin stalks located at the tops of the stems.