Monsonia trichuriella Plant Care

Monsonia trichuriella (Trichuriella monsoniae) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Trichuriella genus. Monsonia trichuriella is native to the Indian subcontinent, Indo-China, and Hainan. Monsonia trichuriella is also known as Bushman's Candle.

Monsonia trichuriella displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Monsonia trichuriella produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Monsonia trichuriella every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Monsonia trichuriella thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Trichuriella monsoniae tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Monsonia trichuriella prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Monsonia trichuriella to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Monsonia trichuriella every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Monsonia trichuriella is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Monsonia trichuriella can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Monsonia trichuriella while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Monsonia trichuriella is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Monsonia trichuriella can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Monsonia trichuriella is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Monsonia trichuriella grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Monsonia trichuriella is native to the Indian subcontinent, Indo-China, and Hainan. In cooler regions, grow Monsonia trichuriella as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.