1.5-6cm Monsonia peniculina

Product Description

• Origin: Native to the arid regions of southwestern Africa, including South Africa’s Northern Cape and Namibia, adapted to dry, gravelly soils and semi-desert climates.
• Growth: Develops a thick, woody caudex (up to 8 inches/20cm diameter) with branching stems covered in peeling white bark. Grows 12-18 inches (30-45cm) tall; leaves are pinnately compound, bright green, and deciduous (drop in dry dormancy).
• Flowers: Blooms in spring (after rainfall) with showy pink to rose-colored flowers, 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm) wide. Petals have a crinkled texture, adding to their delicate beauty; flowers open in sunlight.
• Light: Requires full bright sunlight (6-8 hours daily) to maintain compact growth and vibrant bark. Indoor plants need a south-facing window; outdoor plants thrive in unshaded spots in mild climates.
• Watering: Water sparingly during active growth (spring-summer)—let soil dry completely between waterings. Stop watering in winter (dormancy); overwatering is the main cause of caudex rot.
• Soil & Potting: Use ultra-well-draining mix of cactus soil + pumice + coarse sand (2:2:1 ratio). Plant caudex with 1/2 exposed above soil; choose a shallow, wide pot to accommodate spreading growth.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9-11. Tolerates brief temperatures down to 30°F (-1°C); protect from frost and provide shelter in cold climates.