Monadenium stapelioides - The Intriguing African Club (WA Prohibited)

Monadenium stapelioides, native to Kenya and Tanzania, stands out with its unique, segmented stems and intriguing markings. Its upright, cylindrical stems are adorned with beautiful, dark green patterns that resemble those of a snake, making it a captivating addition to any plant collection. With its intriguing growth habit and distinctive appearance, Monadenium stapelioides is a wonderful addition to any plant collection, adding a touch of the African savanna to your home.

Distinctive Features

• Segmented Stems: Monadenium stapelioides is celebrated for its upright, cylindrical stems that are segmented, resembling a series of stacked discs.
• Intriguing Markings: The stems are adorned with beautiful, dark green patterns that resemble those of a snake, adding to its unique appearance.
• Caudiciform Base: This succulent develops a swollen, caudiciform base that stores water, allowing it to thrive in arid environments.

Care Tips

• Light: Provide your Monadenium stapelioides with bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, intense afternoon sun can cause sunburn.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water moderately during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in autumn and winter.
• Humidity: This succulent prefers average household humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations.
• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 18-24°C (64-75°F) for optimal growth. Protect from frost during winter.
• Fertiliser: Feed your Monadenium stapelioides with a balanced cactus fertiliser once a month during the growing season.
• Potting: Use a well-draining cactus and succulent potting mix. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, choosing a slightly larger container each time.
• Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings. Allow the cuttings to dry and callus before planting in well-draining soil.

Additional Notes

• Monadenium stapelioides is a relatively slow-growing succulent, so patience is key when it comes to seeing significant size increases.
• This succulent is generally pest-free but keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like mealybugs and scale.
• The sap of this succulent may cause skin irritation, so it's best to wear gloves when handling.