What is Monocarpy in Succulents?
Have you ever had a succulent plant suddenly die on you, even though you were taking good care of it? While it can be upsetting, in some cases, it’s completely natural and part of the plant’s life cycle. These plants are called monocarpic succulents.
What Does Monocarpic Mean?
Monocarpic means that a plant flowers once and then dies. It’s a natural strategy that plants use to produce offspring. Many plants in the succulent family, as well as other plant families, are monocarpic.
The word “monocarpic” comes from the Greek words “mono,” meaning “one,” and “carpos,” meaning “fruit.” So, once the single flower has bloomed and produced fruit or seeds, the parent plant’s job is done and it can die.
Types of Monocarpic Succulents
There are many different types of monocarpic succulents. Some common examples include:
- Agave
- Sempervivum
- Kalanchoe luciae
- Agave victoriana
- Agave gypsophila
- Aeonium hybrids
How to Identify Monocarpic Succulents
You can usually tell that a succulent is monocarpic because the parent plant will start to wither and die after it flowers. This can happen quickly, like in Hens and Chicks, or very slowly, like in Agave, which can take years to die.
Why Do Monocarpic Succulents Die After Flowering?
When a monocarpic succulent flowers, it puts all of its energy into producing that one final bloom and fruiting. It has nothing left to sustain itself, so it dies. It’s like the ultimate sacrifice, as the parent plant gives its life for the future of its offspring.
Benefits of Monocarpic Succulents
Even though monocarpic succulents eventually die, they can still live a long life. And they have some unique benefits:
- They produce a lot of seeds, which helps to ensure the survival of the species.
- They produce offsets or pups, which are new plants that grow from the base of the parent plant. This allows the plant to reproduce vegetatively, without relying on seed.
- They can be very dramatic and beautiful when they flower.
Care for Monocarpic Succulents
Once you see that a monocarpic succulent is about to flower, you can decide how much care you want to give the parent plant. Some growers prefer to harvest the pups and continue the plant’s life cycle that way. You may also want to collect seeds if you are a collector or enthusiast.
It’s important to continue providing the type of care that is recommended for your specific species, so that the parent plant is healthy and has enough energy to produce seed.
After the parent plant dies, you can simply remove it and leave any pups in the soil. Allow the parent plant to dry out completely before removing it, as this will make it easier to detach. The pups can then be replanted elsewhere or left as they are.
Conclusion
Monocarpic succulents are a fascinating and unique group of plants. While it can be sad to see the parent plant die, it’s important to remember that it’s a natural part of their life cycle. By understanding the benefits and care requirements of monocarpic succulents, you can enjoy these beautiful plants for many years to come.