Monadenium ellenbeckii, often nicknamed "Octopus Arms," is a fascinating caudiciform succulent recognized for its unique silhouette. The plant develops a caudex (swollen base) from which several elongated and slightly wavy stems emerge, resembling the arms of an octopus—hence its nickname.
Its grayish-green stems are marked with small spines and leaf scars, while its small leaves appear mainly during the growing period before falling off during dormancy. Over time, the thickened base becomes more sculptural. Indoors, it can reach about 30 to 60 cm in height.
Warning! Risk of toxicity if ingested. Like several plants in the Euphorbiaceae family, it produces an irritating white sap (latex) when cut.
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Origin: Arid regions of East Africa
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Ambient humidity: Low.
- Type of soil: Rocky and draining.
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Light: High.
- Orientation: South or west by a window.
- Growth: Slow.
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Temperature: Warm.
- Never below 5ᵒC
Pot diameter: 12 cm.
Grown in Quebec.
Like nature, each plant is unique. Natural items are all different and may contain irregularities.
