Orbea variegata, Stapelia variegata - care tips


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Stapelias form a very interesting group within the succulents. Their bizarre-looking flower is represented in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Most of the flowers come in color combinations of dark red and bright yellow, where drawing and pattern can be very different. In a sheltered rock garden, under exposed cliffs or even in the winter garden, a Stapelia variegata makes itself very good, but also in the house or on the balcony, they are easy to cultivate.
Characteristics

  • botanical name: Orbea variegata (or Stapelia variegata)
  • other names: Aasblume, Ordensstern, Kokardenblume
  • belongs to the silk plants
  • Leafless, succulent stem succulent branching from the base
  • fleshy, soft quadrangular shoot axes with pointed teeth
  • Flowers: 60-80 mm in diameter with 5 leaves and a raised disc in the middle
  • Flower color: very variable, often dark red or brown tones in combination with yellow
  • Flowers smell unpleasant (after carrion)
  • Growth height: rarely higher than 20 cm, overhanging in old age
Species and occurrence
Orbea variegata formerly belonged to the genus Stapelia, but then it was regrouped and is now assigned to the genus Orbea. Orbea variegata is probably the best known of the many Orbea species and has been cultivated for a long time (from about 1650). Originally, the plant is native to South Africa and grows there in the winter rainfall along the coastline. In addition, some species occur in Australia and the Indian region.
Location
In direct sunlight, the Orbea variegata flowers very abundantly and tolerates great heat. At noon, she is happy about a little shade. It also thrives well in shadow areas, but flowers a little less. The sturdy plant tolerates when it is strong and healthy, even slight frosts.
  • Lighting conditions: full sun to light shade
  • Soil: gritty (sandy), well drained soil
  • pH value: neutral to slightly calcareous (7.5 to 8.5)
  • slightly humic
  • good air circulation
dormancy
The juicy nature of the stems allows the plants to go into hibernation during the year when there is not enough rainfall. She then lives off her reserves for some time. Even in our latitudes, she needs a rest period. It is important to know which region the plant comes from so that you can stop watering either in summer or in winter. Most orbea variegata available to us have their resting phase in winter.
  1. Origin South Africa (or Australia): dry season (rest) from May to September
  2. Origin India (Southeast Asia): dry season from November to April / May
Pouring and fertilizing
In the growth phase, a gardener should water the plant regularly, but more carefully than overly. It is important to always allow the soil to dry well between each watering. In winter, the Orbea variegata must be kept as dry as possible. The plants can live without water for a long time. A lack of water is easy to recognize that the juicy stems shrink. At the latest then it is time to add water to the plant before it is no longer able to recover. Long periods of rain are unproblematic with good drainage. Fertilization takes place every four weeks between April and August with 0.2% phosphate-stressed fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer.
substratum
Aasflowers are somewhat delicate with their substrate and are sensitive to waterlogging or poorly draining soils. If the roots are exposed to constant moisture, mold or the roots rot rotten. In addition, the plant tolerates no compact soil. The potting soil should always be well air permeable. Orbea variegata prefers a well-drained, sandy soil consisting of equal parts of the following materials:
  • Sand, clay granules (pumice granules)
  • Potting soil (or cactus soil)
  • Topsoil or mature compost
plants
Orbea variegata is suitable as a ground cover good for the rock garden or sunny and warm, rocky surfaces. However, most species are better cultivated as a container plant or in a flower basket, as they are only partially hardy. When planting container is to be noted that the Stapelie is a Flachwurzler. So it needs a rather flat, but sufficiently large vessel so that they can spread their roots unhindered. Repotting is necessary about every two to three years, but it is not necessary to plant in a larger pot if there is enough space left. Also important is an exchange of the substrate, so that the pH value in the soil does not rise and always sufficient nutrients are present. Tip: Because of the similar location and care conditions, cult stars are good to cultivate with cacti and other succulents.
multiply
Stapelia variegata can be easily propagated through cuttings or fresh seeds. The cuttings are cut after the active growth phase, before the plant enters its resting phase.
  • Time: Autumn (for the species that bloom in winter: spring)
  • Cut off the shoot with sufficient rooting
  • Insert in moist substrate
Cultivation from seeds
If the flower has been fertilized by flies, the winged seeds form in late summer or autumn in so-called bellows. The seeds are best sown fresh, because then they germinate more easily. The plants grow quickly and form after three years first flowers. Since most of the seeds are not pure, growing seed is always associated with a surprise for the gardener.
  • Time: spring
  • Substrate: Seramis (clay granules), sand and cactus soil (equal parts)
  • Moisten the substrate
  • Put seeds on
  • Lightly press
  • Light germ, do not cover with earth
  • in indoor greenhouse
  • alternatively cover with transparent plastic bag or glass
  • Germination temperature: room temperature (during the day 23-28° C, at night 20-22° C)
  • bright, but no direct sun
  • Germination time: 3-6 weeks
By the way: The seed shells sometimes adhere quite persistently to the fine seedlings. There they cause unsightly pressure points. Therefore, they are best removed carefully with a water-immersed brush or cotton swabs.
overwinter
In winter, most species of Orbea variegata have their resting season. During this time, they may only be poured very rarely and receive no fertilizer. The plant is best kept in a bright place at temperatures well below 18° C. Optimal are cold houses, greenhouses or bright, cool corridors (5-12° C). In very mild and sheltered locations, the carrion flowers can also hibernate outdoors. In cold winters, they must be carefully excavated and stored in a cool and dry place. Tip: The cooler the plant is in its resting phase, the less it must be poured.
Diseases and pests
Orbea variegata is quite resistant to the otherwise common in this genus fungal disease "Black Death". The shoots first get black spots and then die off at a rapid pace. The infection is favored by cool temperatures and high humidity. In the event of illness, infected parts of the plant must be cut off promptly and disposed of with household waste.
Conclusion of the editorship
Orbea variegata is quite robust and easy to cultivate. On a humus rich, well-drained soil in a partially shaded position, it can grow upholstered in the rock garden, in the tub or even in the room. In winter, the succulent plant needs a rest period. At this time it is set at 5-12° C, dry and bright. During flowering, the plant is most adept in a sunny spot outdoors, as the blossom smells unpleasantly of carrion.
Worth knowing about the Stapelia veriegata
The Stapelia variegata belongs to the succulents. But for the sake of simplicity, these flowers are often taken together with the cactus as succulents and succulent plants, because they have much in common. They love the heat and need little water. So also the Stapelia variegata, which is called in German "Aasblume". This unflattering name owes the flower its unpleasant odor. It emits a fragrance that is easily reminiscent of carrion and can be unpleasant for people with a sensitive sense of smell. For this smell, however, it compensates with your really beautiful flowers.
  • Stapelia variegata needs a temperature of 10° C upwards, there are no limits.
  • However, you should not plant them outside before the thermometer has exceeded 15° C.
  • You can also cultivate it very well as a houseplant.
  • The Stapelia variegata has a trunk from which develop various shoots or stems.
  • These thick, fleshy, green stems are often serrated on the edge and on the edge of these ramifications are then small leaves.
  • The flowers are large and star-shaped, often of a dark color, but they are also available in yellow, red and purple.
  • The biggest mistake you can make with this flower is excessive overgrowth. She is sensitive to that.
  • Dryness generally does not hurt you.
  • Too much water, however, forms on the stems black discoloration or it comes to a mold.
  • The infected stalk must then be removed, otherwise the plant will not recover.
  • Otherwise, Stapelia variegata is as insensitive as all succulents.

Orbea variegata, Stapelia variegata - care tips

FAQ - 💬

❓ How do you care for Orbea variegata?

👉 In the United Kingdom, Orbea variegata has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C). Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and feed the plants during the active growing seasons.

❓ Is Orbea variegata a low-maintenance plant?

👉 Orbea variegata is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t need much to grow quickly and produce its striking flowers. This Orbea variegata care guide covers everything you need to know for success, including where to find a starfish cactus for sale to see the beautiful carrion flowers for yourself.

❓ Does Orbea variegata kill starfish?

👉 Along with well-draining soil, the right amount of water is critical to ensuring your succulent’s health. Orbea variegata isn’t as sensitive to overwatering as some Stapelia plants, but overwatering is the easiest way to kill your starfish plant. Water sparingly, making sure the soil dries out completely between waterings.

❓ How long does it take to grow Orbea variegata?

👉 Add a touch of water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. With proper care, the cuttings will become fully-developed plants in one or two months. The best time to start your own Orbea variegata from seed is in early spring. You can sow the seeds directly into the ground, but only once the last danger of frost has gone.

Video Board: How to Grow Stapelia |Daphne Richards |Central Texas Gardener.

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