Origin and Common Names
Duvalia polita N.E.Br., commonly known as the Starfish Flower, is a plant species belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It is native to southern and eastern Africa, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, and Madagascar. It is a succulent perennial that thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions.
General Appearance
The Starfish Flower is a small and compact succulent that grows no more than 20 cm tall. Its stems are short and thick, forming clusters of round, green, or reddish-green stems that emerge from a tuberous rootstock. Each stem is covered with small, raised bumps that give it a rough texture.
This plant produces small green leaves that are cylindrical, about 1 cm long, and fall off easily. The flowers appear on the tips of the stems and resemble starfish with five pointed petals spread outwards. Flowers are about 3 cm in diameter and are typically dark red-brown in color, although there are cultivars with lighter flowers such as yellow, pink, and orange.
Uses
Starfish flowers are grown mainly as ornamental plants, appreciated for their unusual bloom shape, easy care, and the fact that they attract butterflies and bees. They are often found in gardens and container plantings in arid and semi-arid regions.
In Zimbabwe, some indigenous people use the plant for medicinal purposes. The plants are boiled and the resulting decoction is used to treat chest pains and coughs.
Starfish flowers are low maintenance, drought-resistant plants that grow well in sunny and well-drained soil. They can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, and they require minimal water and pruning to maintain their attractive shape.
Light Requirements
Duvalia polita N.E.Br. thrives best in bright light conditions, similar to what it experiences in its native habitat. While direct sunlight can cause its leaves to burn, a location with filtered light or partial shade would be ideal. This succulent can be grown indoors near a south-facing window where it can receive ample light or under artificial lights.
Temperature Requirements
Duvalia polita N.E.Br. prefers warm temperatures ranging between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night. It can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 95°F (35°C), but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Good drainage is crucial when growing Duvalia polita N.E.Br. in any container. The soil should be well-draining and porous, as this succulent prefers dry soil between watering. A recommended soil mix would consist of 2 parts cactus mix and 1 part perlite or coarse sand to increase drainage. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic with a range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
The Duvalia polita N.E.Br., commonly known as the Carrion Flower, is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It is relatively easy to cultivate and requires minimal attention to thrive. To grow this plant, you need to provide it with the correct light, suitable soil, and ideal temperature conditions.
It is recommended to grow Duvalia polita N.E.Br. in a well-draining succulent and cactus potting mix. The potting mix should contain a blend of perlite, sand, and peat moss. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
This plant prefers bright and indirect sunlight, making it ideal to grow near a window. It needs about 6 hours of bright light daily to maintain its foliage's health and growth. The temperature conditions required are between 21°C and 25°C, and it is recommended to avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature.
Watering Needs
Duvalia polita N.E.Br. is a succulent plant that stores water in its stems and leaves. Therefore, it does not need frequent watering and is susceptible to root rot when overwatered. It is best to let the soil dry out completely before watering, and when you do, water it thoroughly.
During the winter months, reduce the watering frequency to once a month or when the soil is completely dry. The plant will go dormant at this time and needs minimal water to survive.
Fertilization
During the growing season, you can fertilize Duvalia polita N.E.Br. once in three weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half of the recommended strength to prevent overfeeding the plant.
It is recommended to stop fertilization during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Resume feeding it during the active growing season in spring.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape of the plant and improve its overall health. You can prune the plant by cutting back the stems that have become too long or have lost their leaves. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears to cut the stem back to the healthy growth point.
If the plant has grown too large, you can repot it to a bigger container or divide it into smaller sections. Repotting is best done in spring, during the active growing season, using fresh soil and a well-draining container.
Propagation of Duvalia Polita N.E.Br.
Duvalia Polita N.E.Br., commonly known as Carrion Flower, is a succulent plant native to Southern Africa. The plant is known for its unique shape, and it is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes. To propagate this plant, the following methods can be used:
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Duvalia Politia is by seed. Seeds can be collected from the ripe fruit, which usually appears 2-3 months after pollination. The seeds must be collected from the fruit and cleaned, and then they can be sown in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be kept in a warm and humid environment. Germination may take 2-4 weeks at temperatures above 70°F
Propagation by offsets
Duvalia Politia also produces offsets, which can be removed and potted up individually. The offsets should be allowed to dry for a day before planting to prevent root rot. The potting mix should be well-draining, and the plant should be watered sparingly until it begins to produce new growth
Propagation by cuttings
The propagation of Duvalia Politia can also be done through cuttings. To do this, cut a piece of the stem about 3-4 inches long, and let it dry for several days until a callus forms. The cutting should then be planted in well-draining soil, and kept in a warm and humid environment. The soil should be kept barely moist until the plant begins to produce new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Duvalia Polita N.E.Br.
Duvalia polita N.E.Br. is a succulent plant that is not known to be severely affected by diseases and pests. However, there are a few common pests and diseases that growers should be aware of.
Pests
1. Red Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause damage to the leaves, leading to yellowing and wilting. They can be controlled by using a forceful water spray or by applying neem oil.
2. Mealybugs: These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to wilt and yellow. They can be removed by hand or with a forceful water spray. In severe cases, household insecticides can also be used.
Diseases
1. Root Rot: Duvalia Polita is susceptible to root rot if overwatered or left in damp soil conditions. To prevent root rot, ensure proper water drainage and water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
2. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to form on the leaves. It can be treated by spraying the plant with a mixture of 1 part milk and 2 parts water.
It is important to note that prevention is key when it comes to managing pests and diseases. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of infestation and ensuring proper growing conditions can help prevent future issues.
