Origin
Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides, commonly known as the African biting succulent, is native to Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa.
Common Names
Aside from African biting succulent, Monadenium orobanchoides also goes by other common names such as Euphorbia orobanchoides, Dwarf African Milk Barrel, and East African Milk Barrel.
Uses
Monadenium orobanchoides is mainly grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique, interesting appearance. Its succulent stems and sparsely-leafed branches are adorned with small, sharp spines that once gave it the "biting" name. It also bears beautiful red flowers that add to its aesthetic value. However, it can be toxic to humans and pets, so caution must be observed when handling it.
Some African tribes also use Monadenium orobanchoides for medicinal purposes. The leaves and sap contain substances that can be used to treat ailments such as skin injuries, toothaches, and snakebites. Its latex can also be used as a coagulant for blood.
General Appearance
Monadenium orobanchoides is a succulent shrub that typically grows up to 30 cm in height. Its stems are green or brown and are covered in small spines. The branches are few and far between and have paired, oval-shaped leaves that are also somewhat spiny. During the dry season, the plant drops most of its leaves and becomes dormant. In the rainy season, it blooms and produces clusters of small, tubular red flowers that emerge from the tips of its stems.
Light Requirements
The Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides prefers bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. The plant grows best in partially shaded areas where it can receive sufficient amounts of sunlight without being exposed to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). It can survive in temperatures as low as 15°C (59°F) but growth will be slowed.
Soil Requirements
The Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It grows best in a rich, organic soil mix that is well-draining and doesn't hold water. The plant is sensitive to overwatering and will start to rot if the soil is too wet.
Cultivation of Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides
The Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides plant is a species of succulent that is native to Africa. It is important to replicate its natural habitat to ensure successful cultivation in a home garden. This plant requires warm conditions, minimal water and well-draining soil.
The potting soil for Monadenium orobanchoides should consist of coarse sand, perlite, and peat moss. The soil should be well-draining and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Watering Needs for Monadenium orobanchoides
It is vital to limit watering for Monadenium orobanchoides to ensure the plant thrives. Overwatering can cause root rot and lead to the death of the plant. It is best to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering the plant again.
Additionally, this plant requires less water during the winter months when it goes into dormancy. At this time, it's important to reduce watering drastically to prevent root rot.
Fertilization of Monadenium orobanchoides
Fertilization requirements are not high for Monadenium orobanchoides. At most, the plant needs to be fertilized once every two months in the growing season. A balanced succulent fertilizer is perfect for this plant species.
Ensure that you follow the instructions on the packaging of the fertilizer for the best results. Apply the fertilizer solution after watering the plant.
Pruning the Monadenium orobanchoides
Pruning of this plant species is not necessary as it has slow growth habits. However, if you need to remove any dead leaves or stem, ensure that you use sterile pruning tools and clean the cut with rubbing alcohol to prevent disease and infections.
It's also important to protect your skin when handling the Monadenium orobanchoides as its sap can cause skin irritation.
Propagation of Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides
Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides is a succulent plant that can be propagated through different methods. Here are the most common methods:
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are the preferred propagation method for Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides. To propagate using stem cuttings, follow these steps:
- Use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to cut a 3-4 inch piece of stem from the main plant.
- Let the cutting dry and callus over for about 24-48 hours.
- Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix.
- Water the cutting sparingly, and keep it in a bright, indirect sunlight location.
- The cutting should root and start growing in 3-4 weeks.
Division
Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides can also be propagated through division. This method works well for mature plants that have outgrown their pot or have developed too many crowns. Here's how to propagate via division:
- Carefully remove the plant from the pot and separate individual crowns.
- Use a clean, sharp knife to cut through the roots if necessary.
- Plant the individual crowns in their own pots with well-draining soil mix.
- Water the newly potted crowns lightly and put them in a bright, indirect sunlight location.
Leaf cuttings
While possible, leaf cuttings are not the preferred method to propagate Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides as they often don't root successfully. If you still want to try this method, here are the steps:
- Use a clean, sharp knife to cut a healthy leaf from the plant.
- Let the leaf dry and callus over for a day or two.
- Place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil mix.
- Water the pot lightly and put it in a bright, indirect sunlight location.
- Wait for the cutting to root, which can take up to 8 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides
Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides is a beautiful flowering plant that can be a valuable addition to any indoor or outdoor garden. However, it is vital to take good care of these plants to keep them healthy. One of the essential aspects of plant care is disease and pest management. Monadenium orobanchoides is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests, which can harm the plants, reduce their growth, and ruin their overall appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect your Monadenium orobanchoides and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Root Rot: Root rot is a common fungal disease that occurs when the soil around the plant becomes too moist. It causes the root system to decay and the leaves to wilt. To avoid root rot, make sure the soil around the plant is well-drained. Do not overwater the plant, and ensure that the pot has drainage holes. If the plant is affected by root rot, remove the infected roots, let them dry, and repot the plant in a new, well-draining soil mixture.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or yellow spots on the leaves. It can affect the plant's growth and appearance. To avoid leaf spot, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid wetting the leaves. If the plant is affected by leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
3. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white substance to form on the leaves. It can affect the plant's growth and health. To avoid powdery mildew, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overcrowding the plants. If the plant is affected by powdery mildew, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop off. To avoid spider mites, keep the plant in a humid environment and avoid dry conditions. If the plant is affected by spider mites, rinse the leaves with water, remove the infected leaves, and use insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that appear on the leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants. To avoid mealybugs, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area, avoid overwatering, and inspect the plant regularly. If the plant is affected by mealybugs, remove the infected leaves, and use insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests.
3. Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants. To avoid scale insects, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid over-fertilizing. If the plant is affected by scale insects, remove the infected leaves and use insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests.
Proper disease and pest management are essential to maintain the health and beauty of Monadenium orobanchoides P.R.O.Bally var. orobanchoides. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of diseases and pests and take preventive measures to avoid them. Promptly treat any infections to keep your plants healthy and thriving.
