Origin
Orbea tapscottii (I.Verd.) L.C.Leach, commonly known as Tapscott's carrion flower, is a plant species native to South Africa. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which includes mostly tropical plants with milky sap. This succulent perennial herb grows in rocky areas and dry regions, where it can withstand drought conditions.
Common names
Tapscott's carrion flower is the most common name for this plant. However, it may also be known as Tapscott's stapelia, Tapscott's starfish flower, or Stapelia tapscottii, among other names. In South Africa, several local names exist, such as "bobbejaanpoot" or "perdepis" ("baboon's paw" or "horse urine," respectively) due to the plant's unpleasant odor.
Uses
Orbea tapscottii is primarily used as an ornamental plant. The plant produces striking, star-shaped yellow flowers with red-brown markings that appear in late winter or early spring. Its distinctive shape and coloration make it an attractive choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and indoor planters.
Orbea tapscottii has also been used in some traditional medicines in South Africa to alleviate pain, treat fever, and reduce inflammation, although scientific evidence of these effects is lacking. Additionally, several compounds found in other Apocynaceae plants, such as vincristine and vinblastine, are used in chemotherapy to treat cancer, highlighting the potential importance of this plant family in medicine.
General appearance
Orbea tapscottii has fleshy, branching stems that reach up to 20 cm in height. The stems are dark green or reddish-brown and covered with small, soft spines. The leaves are absent, and the plant relies on its stems for photosynthesis. The flowers are the most striking feature of Orbea tapscottii, measuring up to 5 cm in diameter. They have five pointed petals arranged in a star shape, with orange-red stripes on their lower surface that are visible when the flower is fully open. The flowers also have a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts flies and other pollinators that feed on carrion.
Light Requirements
Orbea tapscottii prefers bright but indirect light. It can also tolerate low light conditions, but too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn. Hence, it is best to place the plant near a north or east-facing window where it can get filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, around 21 - 28°C (70-82°F) during the day and 16 - 21°C(60-70°F) at night. It is essential to protect the plant from cold drafts and low temperatures, which can cause damage or even death.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6 and 7.5. It can thrive in sandy or loamy soils with excellent drainage capabilities. It thrives in a rocky or gravelly substrate, where moisture does not accumulate at the roots. To provide adequate drainage, adding coarse sand or perlite to the soil works best in potting Orbea tapscottii.
Cultivation of Orbea tapscottii
Orbea tapscottii is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It is grown for its unique, star-shaped flowers that look like they're made from wax. Here are some guidelines to help you cultivate this plant:
Watering Needs
Orbea tapscottii is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive long periods without water. However, you should water it sparingly during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. Water the plant when the soil has completely dried out. Overwatering can lead to rotting of the roots, so it's essential to let the soil dry out between watering.
Fertilization
Orbea tapscottii doesn't need much in the way of feeding. You can fertilize it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the growing season. However, it's advisable not to fertilize it during winter, as this is the plant's dormancy period.
Pruning
Orbea tapscottii doesn't require pruning as it is a slow-growing plant and doesn't tend to develop leggy growth. However, the plant's dead or damaged leaves or stems should be removed to improve the plant's appearance. It's also essential to keep an eye out for pests such as mealybugs or spider mites and remove them promptly to prevent them from affecting the plant's growth.
Propagation of Orbea tapscottii
Orbea tapscottii, also known as Starfish Cactus, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This plant is quite easy to propagate and can be multiplied by various methods. These methods are:
Propagating from Stem Cuttings
The easiest way to propagate Orbea tapscottii is through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut it off at a 45-degree angle. The cutting should be around 4-5 inches in length. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days, until the wound calluses over. Plant the cutting in a well-draining mix of soil and sand. Water the soil sparingly until the roots develop. After that, the plant can be watered normally.
Propagating from Seeds
Orbea tapscottii can also be propagated from seeds. It is best to sow the seeds in spring, as this is when the plant is most active. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil, press them gently into the soil, and cover them with a thin layer of sand. Water the soil gently and keep it moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks. Once the seedlings grow large enough, they can be transplanted into separate pots.
Propagating from Offsets
Orbea tapscottii produces offsets or pups around the base of the mother plant. These can be removed and planted in their own separate pot. When removing an offset, make sure to get some roots as well. Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mix and water it sparingly. It should take a few weeks for the plant to establish itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Orbea tapscottii
Orbea tapscottii is a succulent perennial that is highly resistant to diseases and pests. However, some common pests and diseases can affect the plant, and it is essential to know how to manage them.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Orbea tapscottii is mealybugs. Mealybugs are tiny, cotton-like insects that suck the sap out of the plant, eventually causing it to wilt and die. To manage mealybugs infestation, you can remove them manually or use a solution of water and alcohol to spray them off. You can also use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or systemic insecticides to control mealybugs.
Another common pest that affects Orbea tapscottii is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually fall off. You can manage spider mites infestation by keeping the plant well-watered and increasing humidity around the plant. You can also use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or garden sulfur to control spider mites.
Diseases
The most common disease that affects Orbea tapscottii is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, and it can cause the plant to wilt, discolor, and eventually die. To manage root rot, ensure sufficient drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. You can also apply a fungicide solution or repot the plant in fresh soil to manage root rot.
Another common disease that affects Orbea tapscottii is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that shows up as a white or gray powdery coating on leaves, flowers, and stems. To manage powdery mildew, ensure adequate air circulation around the plant, remove infected plant parts, and spray with a solution of baking soda and water or a fungicide solution.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can ensure that your Orbea tapscottii plant remains healthy and thrives.
