Origin
Orbea huillensis (Hiern) Bruyns subsp. flava Bruyns is a succulent plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This plant is native to southern Africa, specifically Angola and Namibia.
Common Names
Orbea huillensis subsp. flava is commonly known as the 'Carrion Flower' or 'Stapeliad'.
Uses
Orbea huillensis subsp. flava is often grown as an ornamental plant for its unique floral design. Despite its foul odor, it is used in traditional medicine in southern Africa to treat a range of health problems like snake bites and infertility.
General Appearance
This succulent plant features reddish-purple stems that connect to a star-shaped cluster of yellow-brown flowers. The flowers of the Orbea huillensis subsp. flava have a strong odor that attracts flies, which serve as its primary pollinators. Its leaves are small, angularly shaped, and hairless.
Growth Conditions for Orbea huillensis (Hiern) Bruyns subsp. flava Bruyns
Light Requirements: Orbea huillensis subsp. flava prefers bright light conditions to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade but not heavy shade. Direct sunlight for an extended period can damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements: The plant grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C during the day and 10°C to 20°C at night. Extreme temperatures should be avoided as they can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements: The plant requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. A mixture of sand, perlite and vermiculite is ideal for growing Orbea huillensis subsp. flava. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Proper drainage must be ensured to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements: Orbea huillensis subsp. flava does not require heavy fertilization. Feeding it once a month with a dilute solution of balanced fertilizer during the growing season can be beneficial.
Watering Requirements: The plant requires moderate watering. The soil should be allowed to dry between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Humidity Requirements: The plant prefers moderate to low humidity levels. High humidity levels can cause fungal diseases. Regular ventilation is necessary to maintain healthy plants in humid conditions.
Propagation: Orbea huillensis subsp. flava can be propagated through stem cutting, division, and seed germination. Stem cuttings should be allowed to callus before planting in well-draining soil. Division can be done by separating the offsets from the mother plant. Seeds can be sown in well-draining soil with proper moisture conditions.
Cultivation Methods
The Orbea huillensis (Hiern) Bruyns subsp. flava Bruyns plant prefers well-draining soil. It is recommended to plant them in containers with drainage holes to help prevent root rot. The plant loves a bright, sunny location, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Provide some partial shade to ensure its growth.
Watering Needs
The watering needs for the Orbea huillensis plant vary between seasons. During the summer months, the plant requires frequent watering, but in winter, the plant needs minimal watering. It's recommended to water the plant sparingly during the winter season as overwatering can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizer application is recommended to boost the plant growth. Use a balanced liquid or granular fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-10-5. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season once in three months. Stop feeding the plant in winter as the plant goes dormant during this time.
Pruning
The Orbea huillensis plant doesn't require much pruning. However, pruning helps to maintain the plant's shape and prevent overcrowding. Prune the plant after blooming or cut off any dried or dead stems to promote new growth. Cut off the entire stem to ensure the plant produces more flowers in the next blooming season.
Propagation of Orbea huillensis subsp. flava
Orbea huillensis subsp. flava can be propagated through various methods. Some of the most popular ones are discussed below:
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings from this plant root easily and can be taken during any season. It is preferable to take cuttings from healthy and disease-free plants. A cutting should ideally be about 10 cm long, and it should be allowed to dry for a day or two. Once the cut end has healed, it can be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be watered sparingly until it forms roots.
Division
Orbea huillensis subsp. flava can also be propagated through division. This method is best for larger plants that have multiple stems. The plant should be carefully removed from its pot and the root ball should be gently separated into smaller sections. Each section should be checked for any damage or disease before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. When watering, it is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is also possible, but it may take longer to produce flowers. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix in a warm and bright location. The seeds should be kept moist but not wet, and they may take several weeks to germinate. Once they have germinated, the seedlings should be kept in a humid environment until they are at least 10 cm tall. At this point, they can be transplanted to individual pots and treated as mature plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Orbea huillensis subsp. flava
Orbea huillensis subsp. flava is generally a healthy and pest-resistant plant. However, certain diseases and pests can affect it from time to time. Here are some of the most common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Orbea huillensis subsp. flava is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering the plant, which leads to the roots becoming waterlogged. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant. If you notice any signs of root rot, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, remove the affected plant as soon as possible and replant in fresh soil.
Fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew, can also affect Orbea huillensis subsp. flava. To prevent fungal diseases from spreading, remove any infected leaves immediately and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Avoid watering the foliage and try to keep the leaves as dry as possible. If the infestation is severe, you can use a fungicide as a last resort.
Pests
Aphids and spider mites are the most common pests that can affect Orbea huillensis subsp. flava. You can usually spot aphids feeding on the underside of leaves, while spider mites cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage these pests, you can use a combination of physical and chemical methods.
For aphids, you can spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Spider mites can be managed by increasing the humidity around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also release predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, to help control spider mite populations.
Overall, regular monitoring and good cultural practices, such as providing the plant with appropriate light, water and nutrients, can help prevent most diseases and pests from affecting Orbea huillensis subsp. flava.
