Sarcocaulon herrei (Monsonia herrei)

🌵 Sarcocaulon herrei (Monsonia herrei)

Category: Rare Caudiciform Succulent
Delivery: Bare-root plant only
Origin: Namibia & South Africa (Namaqualand region)

---

Product Overview:

Sarcocaulon herrei is a highly collectible and unusual caudiciform succulent prized for its sculptural, spiny stems and seasonal display of silky flowers. Belonging to the Geraniaceae family, this plant thrives in arid, rocky environments and develops a thick, contorted woody base over time. Its waxy stems, armored with sharp spines, are not only visually striking but also adapted to survive in extreme desert conditions.

---

Key Features:

• Stem: Thick, contorted woody stems covered with dense spines

• Leaves: Small, deciduous, and short-lived – typically appear in the cooler growing season

• Flowers: Bright magenta to pink blooms with silky petals, appearing during the active period

• Size: Grows slowly into a bonsai-like form, often under 30 cm in height

---

Growth Cycle:

• Active Period: Winter to early spring (cool, dry climate)

• Dormant Period: Summer – plant may drop leaves and rest completely

• Blooms: Usually in late winter, especially when kept cool and dry

---

Growing Conditions:

• Light:
  Full sun to partial shade – loves bright, dry conditions

• Watering:

  • Active season (winter): Water sparingly when soil is dry

  • Dormant season (summer): Keep completely dry

• Soil Mix:
  Extremely well-draining mineral mix – use coarse sand, pumice, lava rock

• Potting:
  Shallow pots preferred; ideal for bonsai-style display or rocky planters

• Temperature:
  Protect from frost – prefers cool nights and warm days (10–28°C optimal)

---

Care Tips:

• Do not overwater – rot is the most common issue

• Leaf loss is normal during dormancy

• Flowers best when slightly root-bound and kept in cooler temperatures

• Can be trained or styled as a miniature bonsai over time

---

Collector’s Note:

Sarcocaulon herrei is a must-have for caudex collectors and arid-landscape lovers. With its spiny structure and exotic desert-bloom aesthetic, it makes a stunning specimen plant and pairs beautifully with rocks and other miniature succulents.