Description: The
typical Monvillea spegazzinii is a fast-growing slender shrubby
cactus that has bluish stems that creep along the ground to form a
shrub. There are two similar but slightly different crested forms (Type
A and type B) that are now widely cultivated for their beautiful stem
with pronounced sculpture effects.
Stems: Bluish-green up to 25 cm tall and wide.
Roots: Tuberose and succulent, Even adventitious roots of
Monvillea spegazzinii become succulent.
Flowers: 10 to 13 cm in length with a slender tube, reddish outer
perianth segments and white inner ones.They arise from near the top on
the sides of the stems; buds point upward but curve suddenly downward
when the flowers open. They bloom at night.
These plants produce monstrous crests, and crests occasionally produce
normal shoots.
Cultivation: Produces best results in loose and very drained
soil, rich in leafmold, and if sufficient water is supplied in warm
weather a rather considerable growth can be made. It needs semi-shade.
The plants will stand but little cold and require
a minimum winter temperature of about 10° C. (but can resist for short
period to 0° C). Growth is rapid, and supports are needed for the stems.
The half‑erect habit of the moderately tall plants makes them
desirable for middle foreground position in landscaping, while the
comparatively small room needed for potted plants makes it an acceptable
group for greenhouse culture.
Propagation: By cuttings.
|