Overview of Stapelia ango A.Rich.
Stapelia ango A.Rich. is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa and belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is commonly known as carrion flower, starfish flower, or starfish cactus due to its appearance and pungent odor that resembles rotting flesh.
Description of Stapelia ango A.Rich.
The plant grows upright or creeping stems that reach up to one meter in length and have four-sided, fleshy, and green stems that can become purple with age. The leaves are reduced to small, brown scales that cover the stem. The plant has large, solitary, and flat flowers that can be up to 25cm in diameter, and have a star-like shape, with five lobes that are covered with hair-like structures and have a dark red-brown coloration.
Uses of Stapelia ango A.Rich.
Stapelia ango A.Rich. is mainly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, greenhouses, and homes. The carrion-like smell of the flower attracts flies and other insects that help with pollination. The plant is also used in traditional medicine, where its juice is used to treat skin ailments such as warts, burns, and ulcers. It is also believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance of Stapelia ango A.Rich.
Stapelia ango A.Rich. is a unique and fascinating plant with its large and striking flowers that are covered in hair-like structures and have a strong, unpleasant odor. Its fleshy stems and brown scale-like leaves give it a rugged appearance that blends well with other succulent plants. Growing the plant requires well-drained soil, bright light, and minimal water to prevent root rot.
Light Requirements
Stapelia ango A.Rich. requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. However, it should be protected from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Stapelia ango A.Rich. is between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It prefers warm and humid conditions and is not tolerant of frost or extreme temperatures. It is recommended to keep the plant in a room with consistent temperature and avoid placing it near air conditioning units or heaters.
Soils Requirements
Stapelia ango A.Rich. prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of equal parts peat moss, sand, and perlite is ideal for this plant. It is important to ensure that the soil is not too alkaline or acidic since this can affect nutrient uptake.
Watering Requirements
Stapelia ango A.Rich. prefers infrequent watering. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. It is important to avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out completely between each watering session.
Cultivation
The Stapelia ango A.Rich. plant needs bright sunlight, but not direct sunlight, for at least six hours a day. Keeping it near a south or west-facing window would be the best spot.
The plant grows best where the temperature ranges from 55-80°F/13-27°C. Keep the plant in a temperature range of 60-65°F/15.5-18.5°C in winter.
The plant should be repotted every two years in sandy and well-drained soil. A mixture of cactus potting soil and regular potting soil with added perlite or pumice, in a ratio of 2:1:1, could be the perfect growing medium for the Stapelia ango A.Rich.
Watering Needs
Stapelia ango A.Rich. is a succulent plant and can store water in its leaves and stems — so they don't require frequent watering. Water the plant only when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can be problematic for the plant as it can cause root rot and lead the plant to die. Water the plant at its base and avoid getting the leaves wet.
Fertilization
The plant needs fertilizer only once a month during the growing season, i.e., typically from March to September. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Dilute it to half-strength and water the plant before its application. Do not fertilize during the dormant season, i.e., from October to February.
Pruning
Stapelia ango A.Rich. does not need much pruning. However, removing any damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves would keep the plant healthy. Prune the plant from the base of the stem. Avoid cutting a small portion of the plant as it will not regrow. If the plant overgrows, gently remove the offsets and plant them separately.
Propagation of Stapelia ango A. Rich.
Stapelia ango A. Rich. can be propagated by several methods which include:
Seed propagation
The best time to harvest Stapelia ango A. Rich.'s seed pods is when they start to split open slightly. After the pod is collected, it is advised to leave it somewhere warm and dry for a few more days to ensure the seeds are fully ripe before sowing them in free-draining soil mix.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are taken at any time of year. A length of stem (about 8cm-10cm in length) is cut with a sharp knife. The cut end is then left to dry for a few days to prevent fungal infections. Once the cut has dried out, it's planted in sandy, well-draining soil mix and kept moist but not saturated until new roots develop.
Division
Stapelia ango A. Rich. can grow and produce several stems from a single rootstock. After the flowering period, the plant can be removed from its pot, the roots may be divided and separated into individual plants. The new plants should be planted immediately, in sandy, well-draining soil mix, and kept moist but not saturated until new roots develop.
Disease and Pest Management for Stapelia ango A.Rich.
Stapelia ango A.Rich., commonly known as African starfish flower, is a succulent plant that originates from Africa. Although it is relatively easy to grow, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can weaken or kill the plant. Therefore, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Stapelia ango A.Rich. is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which leads to the roots' decay. Signs of root rot include yellowing and wilting of leaves, a foul odor from the soil, and the presence of black, mushy roots. To manage root rot, it is crucial to limit watering and ensure adequate drainage by repotting the plant with well-draining soil.
Another disease that can affect the plant is fungal leaf spot. This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in moist conditions. Fungal leaf spot is characterized by the appearance of brown or black spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to leaf drop. To manage this disease, it is necessary to ensure good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected leaves immediately.
Common Pests
Stapelia ango A.Rich. is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the most common pests is mealybugs. Mealybugs are tiny, white insects that feed on the plant's sap and lay eggs in a white, cotton-like substance. They can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage mealybugs, it is crucial to remove them by hand or spray the plant with an insecticidal soap.
Another pest that can affect the plant is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, red or brown insects that suck the plant's sap, causing significant damage. They can be detected by the presence of webs on the plant and a stippled appearance on the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is necessary to increase the humidity around the plant and spray the plant with a miticide or insecticidal soap.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stapelia ango A.Rich. is a beautiful and relatively easy plant to care for, but it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. By knowing the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them, you can ensure that your African starfish flower thrives and remains healthy for years to come.
