Origin
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips, commonly known as Pale Stapelia, is a species of succulent plant native to southern Africa. It is found in the arid regions of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Common Names
Pale Stapelia is commonly referred to as the Carrion Plant due to the strong, unpleasant odor it emits when in bloom. Other popular names include Giant Toad Plant, Starfish Flower, and Zulu Giant.
Uses
The plant is primarily grown as an ornamental and is a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts. The flowers, despite their unpleasant odor, can be used for decorative purposes and are sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy stems and small, spine-like leaves that grow in pairs. The plant produces large, star-shaped flowers that can grow up to 40 cm in diameter. The flowers are typically pale yellow or cream-colored with maroon spots on the inner petals. The plant blooms in summer and early fall and requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil to thrive.
Light Requirements
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but intense midday sun can damage the foliage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 75-85°F (23-30°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. It can tolerate temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but will not survive freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. A mixture of coarse sand, perlite, and compost can provide an ideal growing medium for this plant.
Cultivation methods
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips, commonly referred to as a carrion plant, can be grown in outdoor and indoor conditions. When grown indoors, it can be cultivated in pots or containers with a well-draining soil mixture. For outdoor cultivation, the plant requires well-draining soil, partial shade, and protection from frost and excessive rainfall. It can also be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.
Watering needs
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips requires moderate watering during the growing season, which is typically from spring to summer. The soil should be allowed to dry out partially before watering, as over-watering can cause root rot and other diseases. During the dormant season, which is usually in the fall and winter, the plant requires very minimal watering, as it can survive in a state of semi-dormancy.
Fertilization
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips does not require a lot of fertilization. However, during the growing season, it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied once a month. The fertilizer should be diluted to half its recommended strength to avoid damaging the roots.
Pruning
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips does not require pruning, but it benefits from deadheading. Deadheading involves removing dead and wilted flowers from the stem to promote more blooming. However, if the plant becomes too large, it can be pruned to reduce its size, and the cuttings can be used to propagate new plants.
Propagation of Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips, also known as the carrion flower, can be easily propagated from stem cuttings.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from a mature plant and should be approximately 5-6 inches long, with several sets of leaves. The cuttings should be allowed to dry for a day or two to allow the cut to heal. Once the cut has healed, the cutting can be planted in a well-draining cactus soil mix.
The cutting should be planted at a depth of approximately 1 inch, with the cut end inserted into the soil. It is important to water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between each watering. This allows the roots to develop properly. The cutting should be kept in a warm, dry spot, out of direct sunlight until it has established roots. This can take approximately 4-6 weeks.
Once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot as desired. The carrion flower prefers a sandy, well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly to avoid root rot.
Disease and Pest Management for Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips is a succulent plant that requires minimal care. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the common problems you may face when growing Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips and some ways to manage them.
Pest management
Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can be a problem for Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips. These insects tend to feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage these pests, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label, and repeat the treatment after a week or two.
Disease management
Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips is generally disease-resistant. However, overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Make sure to plant your Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips in well-draining soil and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. If you notice that your plant has root rot, you may need to repot it in fresh soil, removing the affected roots.
Another problem that may affect Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips is fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis. These diseases are more common in humid conditions and can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. If you notice any signs of fungal disease, you can treat your plant with a fungicide that is labeled for use on succulent plants.
By following these pest and disease management practices, you can help keep your Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. var. pallida E.Phillips healthy and thriving.
