Monadenium guentheri
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Monadenium guentheri is a stout perennial succulent herb with long, cylindrical stems that carry prominent spine-tipped patterned tubercles and fleshy sickle-shaped deciduous leaves. Commonly called “Sausage Spurge”, the mature plant resembles a tangle of snakes, and makes a great ‘Medusa Head’ when grown as a houseplant in the right container.
A native of south east Kenya, Monadenium guentheri is usually found growing in open grass scrub. It is fairly fast growing and a good choice for beginning a Monadenium collection. Propagation is easiest from cuttings. Allow them to callus over and then pot up in porous soil. Seeds resulting from cross-pollinated plants can also be collected and sown.
In spring and summer, Monadenium guentheri has attractive smallish cyathia flowers (a red rim-like gland enclosed in two fused greenish-white bracts that have attractive purple mottling) which are followed by seedpods if properly cross-pollinated.
Monadenium guentheri will grow in partial shade to full sun, but plants grown in shade should be gradually acclimated to full sun.
This plant requires good drainage and prefers dry conditions when dormant, especially in winter. Cold, wet conditions will cause Monadenium guentheri to rot. When grown in containers any porous cactus soil will suffice, and it does not mind being root bound.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Monadenium heteropodum, Euphorbia guentheri
Common Names: Sausage Spurge
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: South East Kenya, Teita District Make Tan, not far from Buru Mountain. Usually found growing in open grass scrub.
Size Label: 2 gallon
Height: 1-2′
Width: 2-3′
Cold Tolerance: 35° to 40°F; -1.1° to 1.7°C
Heat Tolerance: Very high heat tolerance.
Light Requirement: Part shade to full sun. Plants grown in shade should be gradually acclimated to full sun.
Water needs: Very drought tolerant, but can take more water when actively growing.
Maintenance: None
Uses: Monadenium guentheri makes an interesting container plant. It does not take cool, wet conditions well and requires perfect drainage when grown in wet winter climates. Makes a great ‘Medusa Head’ when grown as a houseplant in the right container.
Propagation: Propagation is easiest from cuttings. Allow them to callus over and then pot up in porous soil. Seeds resulting from cross-pollinated plants can also be collected and sown.
Problems: This plant requires good drainage and prefers dry conditions when dormant, especially in winter. Cold, wet conditions will cause the plant to rot. Mealy bugs and scale insects can also be a problem, mostly a result of low light conditions.
Research Links:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/150284/
http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/SUCCULENTS/Family/Euphorbiaceae/27175/Monadenium_guentheri
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Euphorbiaceae/Monadenium_guenteri.html
http://www.philstar.com/modern-living/548775/growing-monadeniums
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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