Origin and Natural Habitat
Monadenium ritchiei is native to Eastern Africa, specifically to Kenya. The variegated form is quite rare though and is generally only seen in nursery collections.
Plant Characteristics
Monadenium ritchiei has long stems covered in diamond-shaped protrusions, from which its leaves grow. It forms large clusters of multiple stems over time. This specific plant is covered nearly entirely by yellow variegation, with some small stripes of green chlorophyll appearing erratically on the stem. The leaves are generally green, but may sometimes be variegated depending on the individual plant.
This plant is leaf deciduous, which means it will lose its leaves in winter when it is dormant.
Care Guide
Light
This particular Monadenium is not fussy. It can tolerate full sun if carefully adjusted to it, but a plant grown in some shade or a newly replanted specimen should not be placed in full sun immediately. We grow ours under 40% shade cloth.
Soil
Monadenium ritchiei prefers a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well, such as Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice.
Water
You should thoroughly soak the soil when watering. Only water this species in the spring and summer growing season, and keep dry in winter. Watering this plant in winter will cause it to rot.
Pot size
Monadenium ritchiei are large growers and will form clusters when mature. Small plants can be grown in 10cm pots until they start to branch, at which point they can be moved to 12-14cm pots or be planted in hanging baskets.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 20 – 30*C. It can tolerate 5 – 35*C. It is very sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Monadenium ritchiei are extremely sensitive to high levels of humidity, particularly during winter. Stem rot occurs often with consistent high humidity levels. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during autumn or winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Monadenium grow actively in spring and summer, and are fully dormant in autumn and winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from September until early April.
Propagation
Monadenium ritchiei are best propagated from stem cuttings.
Stem propagation: Using a sharp, clean knife, cut one of the stems of the Monadenium from the main stem. Let this dry for 10 days, then plant it.