Monsonia peniculina care guide
Monsonia peniculina
Also known as: Sarcocaulon peniculinum, Peniculina
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Monsonia peniculina
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 20 days
- A winter grower: water in spring once the soil dries through, and from early summer, when it drops its leaves, only moisten the surface lightly once or twice a month, as a guide.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- Resume once it cools and the tiny leaves appear, watering after the soil has dried through, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 20 days
- It is in growth but dries slowly: as a guide, water lightly on a warm morning a few days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Monsonia peniculina
From fall to spring, a sunny, airy spot as a guide; during summer dormancy move it to bright shade out of the rain with moving air, and expect care to vary with the plant and conditions.
Overwintering Monsonia peniculina
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
It grows in winter but dislikes frost, so as a guide keep it at a sunny window indoors once nights fall below 5°C, in a cool spot away from heater drafts.
Fertilizing and repotting Monsonia peniculina
Fertilizer
It grows very slowly and needs almost none: generally a weaker-than-label liquid feed about once a month from October to March while in leaf, and none during summer dormancy.
When to repot
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Monsonia peniculina
- Watered heavily during summer dormancy, it rots from the base in the heat.
- With too little sun and air the branches stretch and the low, tight shape is lost.
- Wet soil on cold nights damages the roots and it drops its leaves.
Tips for growing Monsonia peniculina
- Plant it shallowly in a fast-draining mix based on pumice and hard akadama to keep it from staying damp.
- Let the leaves, not the calendar, decide: water very sparingly while it is leafless.
- It resents root disturbance, so repot only every few years, as growth starts in fall.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
