Stapelia

Family. Asclepiadaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. The genus Stapelia consists of approximately 50 small stem succulents. The stems are succulent, serve to store moisture and nutrients, branched, lodging or erect, green or bluish-green. The ribs are high and bear tubercles arranged in rows. Some stapelia have short, light-colored spines. The flowers are original - with thick, fleshy, pointed petals, covered with bristles, often burgundy or brown in color with light specks, appearing at the base of the stems. Some varieties have single flowers, others are collected in small inflorescences. Depending on the species, the diameter of the flowers ranges from 5 to 40 cm. The flowers often have an unpleasant odor. The buds are short-lived, but with good care they can replace each other.

Height. In most cases, the height of the plant does not exceed 30 cm.

Caring at home

When it blooms 

It blooms most abundantly in summer, but individual buds may appear at any other time of the year.

Reproduction

The easiest method of propagation is rooting cuttings. The cuttings are cut with a sharp sterile instrument and the cut area is allowed to dry for 1 - 2 days. By seeds, grafting or dividing adult plants. When propagated by seed, stapelia will bloom in 2 - 3 years.

How to care 

An unpretentious genus that only requires good drainage.

Diseases and pests

Lack of light leads to the formation of weak, thin stems and lack of flowering. Root rot due to stagnant water.

Pests may include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.

Transplant 

Succulents prefer to be in slightly cramped conditions and need to be replanted only every 3-4 years. Use a gentle method of replanting - transshipment, so as not to damage the delicate root system.

Containment temperature

During the growing season, they are kept at a temperature of 20 - 25 ° C. These plants can easily tolerate summer heat. During the dormant period, the temperature is reduced to 10°C. 

Watering 

Watering during the growth period should be abundant. In autumn, watering is reduced, and in the winter months, stapelia almost does not need watering at all, only if the stems begin to wrinkle. Before the next watering, the top layer of soil should be dried. Make sure that water does not stagnate in the tray.

Soil 

Substrate for cacti and succulents with a high content of coarse sand, perlite or pumice. A mixture of 50 percent pumice or perlite, 25 percent peat or organic mulch, and 25 percent sand will work. The soil should have a pH between 6.5 - 7.5. 

Lighting

A well-lit place with shade from direct sunlight. If the light is too strong, the stems may take on a reddish tint.

Fertilizing the stapelia

With the beginning of new growth, feed monthly with fertilizers with a high potassium content in half the concentration. Stop feeding at the end of August to stop new growth and encourage the plant to go into dormancy. 

Spraying 

They do not need spraying; in winter the air should be dry. 

Purpose

Many species of stapelia have quite beautiful flowers, although they emit an unpleasant odor during flowering.

Hydroponics

Stapelia grows well in hydroponics.

Varieties:

Stapelia qiqantea

Perennial succulent plants, native to South Africa, reach a height of 15 - 30 cm. The plant has thick, fleshy, quadrangular in cross-section, multi-branched at the base, green stems. At the beginning of autumn, five-pointed, large flowers with fluffy, triangular petals, reaching a diameter of 25 - 40 cm, appear on the bushes. The plant has the largest flowers among the stapelias. The shades of the flowers vary from beige, almost white to pink and even burgundy. Unfortunately, in their natural habitat, flowers are pollinated by flies, to attract which the buds emit a terrible aroma of carrion.

Stapelia nobilis

Stapelia grandiflora

South African low-growing succulent plants, which with age form large colonies with a diameter of up to 50 cm. The bushes reach a height of 10 cm and consist of erect, abundantly branched at the base, green or pinkish, 4-angled stems in cross-section. Sometimes you can find leaves on the stems, but they quickly fall off. In late summer and early autumn, long, penetrating flower stalks with large, fluffy, attractive flowers with five triangular petals appear at the base of the stems. Color shades include beige, brownish, burgundy and purple.