The "Octopus Arms" forms sleek stems covered with a velvety kelly-green
epidermis and art-deco groves on round surfaces, that look like
corduroy. This species is slightly rhizomatous, and (with time) forms a
cluster of small branches. Supposedly tipped with green cymes that get a
nice pink, if getting direct sunlight.
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Description: M. ellenbeckii is a low-growing shrubby
succulent perennial herb with fleshy, serpent-like stems that emerge
from a central base
Stems: Thin bright/light green, fleshy, columnar or creeping,
and shortly rhizomatous. Several to 50 cm or up to 1,5 m long when
supported, few branches, up to 15 mm Ø, with 4 longitudinal groves
below.
Leaves: Scar-like, forming occasionally, weakly attached at the
branch tips,
sessile obovate, ovate to 10 x 8 mm, fleshy minutely
puberulous.
Flowers: Yellow-green, 1 to 2 forked flower-like
cymes which can
become pink-toned in full sun, 1-1,5 cm across, peduncles to 5 mm.
Blooming season: Summer.
Cultivation: On the whole it adapts to
cultivation without much difficulty. It spreads by underground shoots
and with time forms large clumps, therefore requiring a broader pot. It
responds to half-sun or bright filtered light, and does well under a
shade tree or under a patio. Generally, any quick-draining succulent
soil mix will suit it, and the snake-like stem will do well with water
about once a week in the warmer months. It needs to be kept drier in
winter and whenever not growing actively (about every three-four weeks
or so, depending on temperatures). However, this species seems to hate
being wet for any extended period, and can rot easily (especially in
winter) if overwatered. Monadenium ellenbeckii, due to its
African origin, cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, and should be
protected from cold (but should be able to handle 7 degrees C very
easily).
Propagation: Cuttings,
seeds |