Care of the succulent plant Stapelia variegata or Star flower |
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The genus Stapelia, family Apocynaceae, comprises 50 species of small succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Stapelia variegata, Stapelia grandiflora, Stapelia ambigua, Stapelia gigantea, Stapelia hirsuta. Common name: Star flower. This species is native to South Africa. They are small succulent plants that reach 25 cm (9.84") in height that create groups of fleshy stems, with protuberances similar to thorns and of quadrangular section. The curious flowers smell like rotting meat and attract flies. They are used in rockeries and in pots for balconies and windows. It's not recommended as a houseplant due to the bad smell of the flowers. Stapelia variegata requires semi-shade exposure and does not resist high humidity. The temperature should not be less than 5 ºC (41 ºF); the ideal winter standing temperature is 12 ºC (53.6 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 50% coarse sand and 50% leaf mulch; Place gravel on the surface of the substrate to avoid direct contact of the plant neck with soil moisture. Water moderately in summer, waiting for the soil to dry out; water very little in winter. Water right away if the stems start to wrinkle. They resist transplantation poorly. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer. They are resistant plants to the habitual plagues but sensitive to the excess of irrigation. They are propagated by stem cuttings in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Stapelia variegata or Star flower |
 Stapelia variegata  Stapelia variegata  Stapelia variegata  Stapelia variegata |