Sunday, March 2, 2014

Monilaria

Still no spring around here... I'll continue posting dark and/or blue-ish pictures then ^^a

This is my very first Monilaria and even though I read about the care and the yearly life cycle of this plant I'm still not sure that everything's fine. Is this the appropriate look for it this time of the year? I know that the leaves will be completely dry in summer but are they supposed to be this soft already? Comments appreciated :)

2 comments:

  1. This is the end of the growing period for Monilaria. So...... you are technically still in the "watering is ok" period for Monilaria. The flopping of the leaves is a normal trait. I would water lightly for the next month or so. As the days lengthen the plant will go into its dormant phase. As with most (all) mesembs there is no clear cut date this begins. We know they are dormant in the summer, but the transition from growth phase to dormant phase is gradual and not dependent on a specific date. This is where grower observation and judgement comes into play, and since this is your first Monilaria, it will be somewhat of a challenge for you, and for anyone foolish enough to give you advice, especially from 4,000 km away!! Generally however, a little water from February through May is ok, then dry until new growth is seen in the early fall. If not new growth by late October, start watering anyway. Once growth is underway, water regularly until flowering period is over.
    It's been a few years since I grew Monilaria, so I'm relying on my memory, which is always a danger for me. ;)

    Today 52 C and I'm going bicycling. Tomorrow -5 C and heavy snow. Prediction of 15 to 25 cm of snow by Monday night. Tough winter here in eastern U.S. Hope your weather brightens soon.

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    1. Thank you very much for helping me understand Monilaria's yearly life cycle :) Let's see how the first year is going to be. If it survives I will have a better feeling for it and can adjust the care if needed.
      At the moment the plant is almost completely dried up and I can only hope that it's doing well. We will find out in the fall, I guess ^^a

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