Overview

Monolena primuliflora is a plant with a small shrub, 2-5 ft tall habit in the genus Monolena, part of the Melastomataceae family, with evergreen, waxy surface foliage. It typically grows around 1.52 metres tall. Monolena primuliflora grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include indoor ornamental.

About

Monolena primuliflora is a small evergreen shrub within the Melastomataceae family, typically growing between 2 and 5 feet tall. It features waxy foliage and thrives best in partial shade, favouring north, east, or west-facing aspects in sheltered locations. This cultivar prefers well-drained, neutral loam soil with moderate moisture levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable as an indoor ornamental plant. Interest is primarily during spring and summer, and it can be propagated by seed or cuttings.

About the genus

Monolena is a genus of flowering plants, of the family Melastomataceae, consisting of about 15 species distributed from Guatemala to Peru and Acre, Brazil. They are primarily herbs of the wet tropical and cloud forests, often growing as epiphytes, but sometimes on rocks and in riparian zones near mountain streams.

Wikipedia contributors, "Monolena", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Monolena

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Monolena

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moderate

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Monolena primuliflora size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Small shrub, 2-5 ft tall

Foliage

Evergreen, waxy surface

Height

1.52 metres

Suggested uses

Indoor ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Monolena primuliflora

Propagation

Seed, cuttings

Pest resistance

Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs

Disease resistance

Generally resistant

Frequently asked questions