What Plant Is the Monkey Flower? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions
In the floral world there are all kinds of quirky and varied flowers, and among them is an odd little plant called the monkey flower. Although it does not really look like a monkey, its flower shape is unusual and its colors are rich. In recent years it has become something of an "internet-famous" plant, and it is suitable for growing on a balcony.
The petals of the monkey flower have a pattern densely covered with fine dots, and the veining is mostly irregular. It is native to South America and is a perennial herb in the family Scrophulariaceae, genus Mimulus. Today in southern regions such as Yunnan and Guangdong there are different varieties of monkey flower, and when it blooms the flower quantity is enormous, with the flowering period able to span the three seasons of spring, summer and autumn.
Different varieties also differ in flower color, including pink, white and purple. It is not hard to find it in flower markets. In terms of care, it prefers a cool and moist climate and is cold-tolerant, able to endure low temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius, but it is not tolerant of high temperatures; if the ambient temperature soars to 30 degrees Celsius it may wither. The optimal growing temperature is 15 to 28 degrees Celsius.
When choosing soil, it is best to use loose soil with good drainage. A recommended technique is to first place ceramsite or broken tile pieces in the flower pot, then sprinkle base fertilizer on top of that, and finally add good soil. This procedure best caters to the needs of its roots.
As for watering, the monkey flower fears drought rather than moisture. Especially during the growing period, pay frequent attention to the moisture level of the soil. If the soil is dry for a long time, the usual requirement is to water little at a time but often. Raising flowers and plants is inseparable from fertilizing; during the growing period, apply a fertilizer containing compound elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium once a month. In addition, when watering and applying fertilizer, be careful not to pour it down onto the flower heads, and do not pour it directly on the leaves either. Try to water along the edge of the pot; only in this way can the flowers grow healthily and avoid a "Mediterranean bald patch."
Regarding pest and disease control, although pests and diseases do not occur often on the monkey flower, problems such as leaf spot disease and aphids should not be ignored either. Once the plant shows abnormalities, such as leaf yellowing or pest damage, measures should be taken promptly, and biological pesticides can be used for control.