Monilaria obconica
Monilaria obconica
Bunny Succulent
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Description
Monilaria obconica is a charming winter-growing mesemb from South Africa, famous for its bead-like stems and early “bunny ear” leaves. It thrives in bright light during the cool season, producing delicate daisy-like blooms, then rests dry in summer. A quirky, collectible succulent for patient growers.
Common Names
Bunny SucculentMonilaria Bunny EarsBead-branch MesembBead-stem Monilaria
Context
nativeRegion
Arid parts of the Western and Northern Cape, South Africa (Namaqualand).
usdaZones
9b–11 (best in containers with protection from summer rain and frost).
companionPlants
Conophytum spp., Cheiridopsis spp., Pleiospilos nelii, Fenestraria rhopalophylla, Gibbaeum spp., Aloinopsis spp., Titanopsis calcarea
culturalUses
Collector’s succulent and conversation piece; valued for its whimsical seedling “bunny ears” and winter display.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright light to full sun; morning sun with light afternoon shade in hot climates.
WateringIn fall–spring, water deeply when fully dry; keep almost completely dry in summer dormancy (only tiny sips if stems shrivel).
SoilVery fast-draining, gritty mix (70–90% mineral like pumice/perlite/coarse sand over a lean cactus mix).
FertilizerLow-dose, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer at 1/4 strength monthly during active growth (fall–early spring); none in summer.
HumidityPrefers low humidity and excellent airflow; avoid stagnant, damp conditions.
TemperatureBest 45–75°F (7–24°C). Protect from hard frost; can tolerate brief light frost if bone dry, but keep above ~35°F (1–2°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSmall clumping succulent with moniliform (bead-like) stems and paired cylindrical leaves.
Mature SizeAbout 3–8 in tall and 4–10 in wide (7–20 cm tall, 10–25 cm wide) in containers.
Growth RateModerate during the cool season; very slow or dormant in summer.
BloomingLate winter to spring; daisy-like white to pale pink flowers with yellow centers.
DormancySummer-dormant; leaves dry back and plant rests—keep nearly dry until autumn.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Stem cuttings, Division of offsets/clumps
DifficultyModerate (seed is most reliable; cuttings can be slow to root).
Best SeasonAutumn—sow seed and start cuttings as active growth begins.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove spent flowers and dry leaves at the end of the season; no shaping needed.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years in early autumn as growth resumes; use a deep, well-drained pot to accommodate the root system.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to mealybugs (including root mealies), spider mites, and rot in poorly drained or overwatered conditions; avoid prolonged cold/damp.
ToxicityNot known to be toxic to people or pets, but avoid ingestion and sap contact if sensitive.
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