Bunny Ears Succulents (“Monilaria” Plants On Succulent City)

Have you heard about Kawaii? The ‘cute item’ went viral on Japanese Instagram about two years ago. Or maybe you have come across the endearing Easter-themed, succulent centerpieces that Martha Stewart caused a rage with, alongside a spring-inspired floral arrangement. The plants are completely adorable, easy to look after, and can make a fascinating addition to your garden.

Potted Bunnies Are the New Craze

The Monilaria obconica is a delightful deciduous succulent that looks like bunny ears popping out of a pot. This seasonal plant is indigenously found in the Vanrhynsdorp and Vredendal districts of Western Cape in South Africa. The succulent has a fat stem that pops out of the ground resembling a ginger root with two types of leaves growing from the tip of the stem.

Thanks to its appearance like the furry ears of a rabbit, this succulent has earned the names Bunny Succulent, Bunny Ear Succulent, String of Pearls, Beaded Vygie, Bearded Ice Plant, and is natively known in Afrikaans as Knopiesvygie.

A Scientifically Special Succulent

The Bunny Succulent is a unique plant because it is a heterophyllous plant. It means that it can grow more than one type of leaf on the same plant. It has a caudex form, bearing a swollen, above-ground trunk.

From the top of the root, the first set of leaves begins to form. These are usually tightly packed together and look like they have been symmetrically cut in half by a divine force. These first leaves are generally about 10 mm in diameter. The plants grow wholly fused and are covered by a sclerotic brown sheath.

As the plant grows older, the second set of leaves start to appear. These leaves are long and cylindrical, measuring about 10 to 15 cm long and 3.5 mm in diameter. The plants begin to sprout together at the base then spread out into two distinct leaves, taking the shape of bunny ears. These leaves are covered in small, crystalline cells that give them a furry look. These cells are specialized storage cells that are rich in sugars, helping the plant retain moisture for long periods.

Check out our article to “Best Gardening Tools for Succulents” for our guide to best tools for your succulent growing needs.

A Seasonal Deciduous Species

The Bunny Succulent mostly remains dormant during summer while its growth season starts in winter, between September to March. While the plant is in the resting period (dormant months), the plant may appear dead. That is only because the segmented branches make the plant look like it has dried out.

During the spring, the Monilaria obconica produces white, rose-like flowers growing on solitary white, long stalks. These stalks grow to 35 to 40 mm in diameter, while the flowers carry filaments that may be white, purple, yellow, or orange.

This winter grower has its bunny ears maturing to a length of 8 inches (20 cm), and after a few months, the ears begin to give off a red hue, especially under the sun and curl under their weight giving the appearance of Bugs Bunny ears.

Don’t miss out on “How To Care For Indoor Succulents During The Winter” to see how to take care of all your succulents during the cold season.

Start Sprouting Your Very Own Bunnies

The Bunny Succulent can reproduce by cuttings or seeds. When propagating from a cutting, ensure that you are getting your cutting from a mature mother plant. The cutting should have one or more branches and should include a bit of the root. These succulents like to reside in areas with proper ventilation and can tolerate cold temperatures up to -2°C.

Bunny Succulents fancy soil with good drainage, and they prefer cactus or succulent potting mix. If the potting mix is not available, you could add some small pieces of gravel or horticultural sand to increase soil drainage and provide space for proper root development. These succulents like to grow in a tiny pot for as many years as possible. The plants do not flower well when placed in a relatively sizeable growing container, and the plants also do not like being repotted.

Monilaria obconica is different from most succulents as it is not a sun worshiper and should not be placed in direct sunlight. This succulent enjoys the right amount of shade, with movement into colder areas during the summer. Another fact that makes the Bunny Ears different from other succulents is that it requires regular watering during the winter months, especially after the new long leaves start to appear. During the summer, sporadic drinks of water will do just fine.

ALSO READ:

• Does the Bunny Cactus Hop?
• How to Successfully Grow Indoor Succulents
• 5 Succulents You can Grow in a Coffee Mug

Monilaria Plants On Succulent City

In Conclusion

Whether you were thinking of revamping your garden patio or you were looking for a small succulent to train little green thumbs, the Monilaria obconica or Bunny Succulent is the perfect, inconspicuous addition to your home or office. And think of all the fun you could have picked out the perfectly cute bunny container for your Bunny Succulent!

Thank you for reading! Enjoyed learning about the bunny succulent? If so, you’ll really enjoy our ebook about “Rare Succulents You Wish You Knew About“. With this ebook, you’ll find yourself more detailed answers that’ll help your succulent grow even better! With thousands of succulent lovers enjoying our ebooks, you don’t want to miss out on what works best to grow your succulents. 

Happy Planting!

ABOUT ME

Richard Miller

Salute everyone. It's Richard, the author of this Succulent & Xeriscaping blog. I am a traveler and a nature lover looking for a connection with the wild green. In my journey, I found a love for succulents and xeriscaping. What attracts me is the long-lasting & unique beauty of every plant I have the chance to see with my own eyes. Welcome to my little blog and let's enjoy a good time together!

Contact me: richard.succulentcity@gmail.com