Origin
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is native to the southern and eastern parts of Africa, including Angola, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common names
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is commonly known as the African starfish flower or the starfish cactus due to its distinctive shape.
Uses
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique and attractive star-shaped flowers. The flowers produce a foul odor similar to that of rotting meat, which attracts flies for pollination.
The plant possesses medicinal properties that are traditionally used to treat different ailments such as stomach problems and insect bites.
General appearance
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is a succulent plant that grows up to 15 cm in height and spreads horizontally by producing a mat of stringy stems. Its stem is ribbed and resembles a cactus. The plant produces star-shaped flowers with five pointed petals that are roughly 6cm in diameter. The flowers appear in shades of purple with white spots covering their surface. The plant blooms from mid-summer to late fall.
The leaves of Stapelia engleriana Schltr. are grayish-green measuring about 3 cm long and are covered with tiny hairs. The plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate sunlight. It can be propagated through cuttings of its stem and root division.
Light Requirements
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. grows well in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the plant's leaves and hinder its growth. It is best to place the plant in an east or west-facing window or provide it with supplemental fluorescent light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) during its dormant period, but it should be kept away from frost and very low temperatures. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations as they can stress the plant and stunt its growth.
Soil Requirements
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. requires well-draining soil that is porous and allows air to circulate freely around the roots. A mix of sandy and gritting soil with some organic matter added can provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. The plant's roots should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Reduce watering during the plant's dormant period.
Cultivation Methods
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is a succulent plant that grows best in warm climates. In regions with cooler temperatures, it is best grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
The plant prefers a well-draining potting mix that is slightly acidic or neutral. It can also be grown in sandy soil or cactus mix. The roots require excellent airflow, so it is essential to choose a pot with drainage holes.
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but the plant may suffer in hot afternoon sun.
Watering Needs
Like other succulents, Stapelia engleriana Schltr. requires infrequent watering. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely before watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
The plant's watering needs vary depending on the climate and time of year. During the active growing season, which is in spring and summer for Stapelia engleriana Schltr., it may require more frequent watering.
During the dormant period, which is in autumn and winter, the plant should be watered sparingly, if at all. It can survive for an extended period without water during this time.
Fertilization
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is not a heavy feeder and can survive without fertilizer. However, occasional fertilizing can promote growth and flowering.
A balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied once a month during the active growing season, according to package directions. It is essential not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to root burn and other problems.
Pruning
Pruning Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is not necessary unless there are damaged or diseased parts of the plant. However, the plant can benefit from light pruning to maintain its shape and promote more compact growth.
The best time to prune is in the early spring before the plant enters the active growing phase. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut back any unwanted stems or branches. The cuttings can be propagated to produce new plants.
Propagation of Stapelia engleriana Schltr.
Stapelia engleriana Schltr., like other succulent plants, can be propagated by different methods including:
Stem cuttings propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is through stem cuttings. This involves taking a stem cutting and allowing it to dry for a few days, which will help to prevent rotting. Once the cut end is calloused over, it can be planted in well-draining, gritty soil. The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright location but should be protected from direct sunlight until it has established roots.
Seed propagation
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. can also be propagated from seeds, which are readily available from many specialty nurseries. Sow the seeds in a well-draining, gritty soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet; a light misting of water can help to prevent the soil from drying out before the seeds have germinated. Once the seedlings have established their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or the garden.
Offsets propagation
Another way to propagate Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is through offsets. These are smaller, new plants that grow alongside the mature plant, connected to it by a rhizome. To propagate through offsets, carefully separate the new plant from the mature plant using a clean, sharp knife. Allow the offset to dry for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet and protect the cutting from direct sunlight until it has established roots.
Propagation of Stapelia engleriana Schltr. can be an excellent way to increase the number of plants in your collection or to share with friends and family. Regardless of which propagation method you choose, be sure to provide the new plants with proper care and attention as they become established to ensure that they thrive for years to come.
Disease and Pest Management for Stapelia engleriana Schltr.
Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a low maintenance plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it can be affected by certain problems that may damage its overall health if left untreated.
Common Diseases
The most common disease that affects Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering and poor soil drainage, and it can lead to wilting, yellowing, and browning of the leaves. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and water the plant sparingly, only when the soil has completely dried out. If root rot is detected, remove the plant from the soil, trim away the damaged roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Another disease that may affect Stapelia engleriana Schltr. is fungal infection. This can be identified by the presence of white, powdery spots on the foliage, or black spots on the stems and leaves. To prevent fungal infections, avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If fungal infection is detected, remove the affected parts of the plant and treat it with a fungicide.
Common Pests
The most common pests that may affect Stapelia engleriana Schltr. are mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses on the foliage, while spider mites create fine webbing on the stems and leaves.
To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant. You may also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to treat the plant. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and soap, or by using neem oil or insecticidal soap.
In conclusion, managing the health of Stapelia engleriana Schltr. involves maintaining proper soil drainage and providing good air circulation. Regular inspection and treatment for possible disease and pest infestation is also important to keep the plant healthy.
