Monanthes polyphylla
| Light | Bright, filtered light; protect from harsh direct summer sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Little and often in growth; keep barely moist, never waterlogged; drier and cooler in summer dormancy |
| Soil | Gritty, free-draining mix with some organic matter (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Frost-free; happiest in cool, airy conditions; USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Division of offsets; stem (rosette) cuttings; seed |
| Toxicity | Not known to be toxic to cats or dogs |
Monanthes polyphylla is a diminutive, mat-forming succulent from the Canary Islands that builds up dense cushions of tiny, tightly packed pale-green rosettes. In season it is topped by intricate, star-shaped flowers whose fleshy, fringed sepals and nectar scales give the blooms a curiously ornate, almost crystalline look. Its miniature scale and delicate flowering make it a prized dwarf plant among Crassulaceae collectors.
Description
Monanthes polyphylla is a very small, tufting perennial succulent. Each rosette measures only a centimetre or so across and is made up of numerous short, plump, club-shaped leaves arranged in a neat spiral. The rosettes branch and crowd together on short stems, spreading into low, soft mounds or mats that hug the surface of the pot or rock.
The flowers are the plant's real charm and appear disproportionately elaborate for such a tiny plant. Borne singly or in small clusters on slender stalks, they are star-shaped and greenish to pale, often flushed with pink or reddish tones, and edged with the fringed nectar scales characteristic of the genus. Up close they look almost like miniature sea creatures or snowflakes, which is a large part of why the species is sought after.
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to the Canary Islands, where it grows in cool, humid, often shaded microhabitats — tucked into rock crevices, on mossy banks and shaded, damp cliff faces, from near the coast up into cooler montane zones (roughly 100–1500 m). These are not baking-desert conditions: the plants enjoy regular atmospheric moisture, cool air and shelter from scorching sun, which is worth keeping in mind when growing them.
Cultivation
Monanthes polyphylla is grown much like other cool-growing, humidity-loving Crassulaceae rather than like a desert cactus. Give it a gritty but not bone-dry mix that holds a little moisture, bright but filtered light, and good air movement. Because the rosettes are so small and shallow-rooted, a snug, shallow pot suits them well.
Water little and often during the cooler growing months to keep the compost barely moist — these plants dislike drying out completely as much as they resent standing wet. Ease off in the heat of summer, when the plant tends to rest, and keep it cooler and shadier then. Protect from frost and from intense, direct summer sun, both of which can scorch or collapse the delicate rosettes. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
The easiest method is simple division: the mats naturally break into rooted or nearly-rooted rosettes that can be teased apart and potted on. Stem and rosette cuttings also root readily given a humid, buoyant atmosphere. The species can be raised from seed as well, though the fine seedlings need careful, consistent moisture and are slower to establish.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual cause of loss, from a stagnant, waterlogged mix or still, damp air; rosettes blacken and collapse.
- Scorch and shrivelling — too much direct sun or letting the plant bake and dry out fully, especially in summer, browns and crisps the tiny leaves.
- Pests — mealybugs can hide among the crowded rosettes and aphids are drawn to the soft flower stalks; inspect the dense cushions regularly (see Pests and diseases).
See also
- Monanthes — the genus overview
- Propagation — offsets · Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting