Origin and Common Names
Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger, also known as Carrion Flower, is native to southern Africa and commonly found in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. It is a member of the Stapeliad family, which comprises around 2,400 species of succulent plants.General Appearance
Carrion Flower is a perennial succulent that grows up to 60 cm tall. Its stem is erect, green, and branched. It has a distinctive star-shaped flower, which is about 8 cm in diameter and 5 cm tall. The flower has a dull purple, brownish, or almost black color with lighter spots and red or yellow margins. The petals are hairy and have a velvety texture, and the center of the flower has a star-like pattern.Uses
Despite its strong, unpleasant odor, Carrion Flower is cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its striking flowers and unique texture. Its star-shaped bloom is a rare sight in the plant world, making it a popular addition to gardens and rockeries. Additionally, some noteworthy benefits have been ascribed to the Carrion Flower. In traditional medicine, this plant has been used to treat a wide range of ailments such as headaches, ear infections, and high blood pressure. In conclusion, Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger is a fascinating plant native to southern Africa. Its unique star-shaped flowers make it a popular ornamental plant, despite its strong, unpleasant odor. It is also appreciated in traditional African medicine for its broad range of health benefits.Light Requirements:
The Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger plant typically thrives in direct or indirect bright sunlight. However, it needs protection from hot and intense midday sun rays, which could scorch the leaves. A window facing east or west is ideal for placing the plant.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers warmer regions with moderate to high temperatures. The ideal temperature range is between 18-33°C (65-91°F). It can tolerate mild frost, although it is not ideal and can damage the tender tissues.
Soil Requirements:
Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger thrives in well-draining soil with sand, pumice, or perlite to ensure a good drainage system. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral with a range of 6.0 to 7.5
Water Requirements:
The plant requires low to moderate watering throughout the year, and the soil should be allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal growth.
Fertilization Requirements:
The plant requires minimal fertilization, and it can survive without it. However, providing a diluted fertilizer solution once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) may contribute to a more lush and healthy plant growth.
Humidity Requirements:
The Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger can tolerate low humidity levels and does not require an overly moist environment. However, occasional misting may improve its growth and appearance.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family and is commonly known as the Carrion Flower. It is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa and is well-known for its decorative and fragrant flowers.
When it comes to cultivating this plant, it is essential to keep it in a warm and sunny environment. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires a lot of airflow to prevent fungus and other diseases from forming.
If you opt to grow it indoors, it is recommended to keep the plant close to a window or implement artificial plant lights as it requires plenty of light.
Watering Needs
Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger is a succulent plant that requires minimal watering. Overwatering this plant can lead to root rot, which is fatal to the plant. Therefore you should water the plant only when the soil is completely dry, usually once a week or once every two weeks.
During the winter season, the plant may become dormant, and therefore it may not require water for longer periods.
Fertilizing
While fertilization is not a compulsory requirement for Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger, it can be beneficial to the plant's growth and well-being. It is best to fertilize the plant at the beginning of the growing season, which usually occurs in the spring season.
The ideal fertilizer for the Carrion Flower is a formula that is high in phosphorous and low in nitrogen. One can use a cactus or succulent fertilizer with a diluted solution of once a month.
Pruning
Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger requires minimal pruning. While some growers may choose to prune the plant to control its growth, it is not necessary for the plant's overall health.
If the plant becomes lopsided due to uneven exposure to sunlight, one can rotate the pot to ensure the plant receives sunlight that is evenly distributed.
However, if pruning is necessary, it is best to do so at the beginning of the growing season. The stems of the plant may be soft and delicate, so it is recommended to use gardening gloves to avoid damaging any part of the plant.
Propagation of Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger
Propagation of Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger can be done through various methods. The most common methods include:
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings is the most popular and easiest method of propagating Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger. Cut 15-20 cm long stem cuttings from a healthy plant during the active growing season. Before planting the cuttings in a potting mix, keep them in a shaded area for a few days for healing. Plant the cutting into a moist well-drained soil mixture, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.
Seed Propagation
Another method of propagating Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger is through seeds. Sow the seeds in a potting mix made of 2 parts of sand and 3 parts of a well-draining mix. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature between 20-25°C. Germination will typically occur within 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Division
Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger can also be propagated through division, but it's not as common. Divide the plant during the active growing season by carefully separating the rooted offsets or pups from the mother plant. Transplant each division into a separate pot with a well-drained soil mixture and water them thoroughly.
Regardless of the method used, maintain a humid environment by covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome until new growth appears. Once new growth has been established, remove the cover and care for the plant as usual.
Disease Management
Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. The common diseases affecting the plant include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, while leaf spot is due to fungal infections. Powdery mildew occurs due to high humidity and poor air circulation.
To manage the diseases, maintain proper care for the plants, avoid overwatering, and ensure proper drainage. Remove the infected parts of the plant, and treat the remaining part with a suitable fungicide or bactericide. Maintain proper humidity by avoiding water splash on the foliage and providing good air circulation. Also, improve the ventilation around the plant and ensure a suitable temperature.
Pest Management
Stapelia glanduliflora Masson var. haworthii A.Berger can be affected by various pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. The pests depend on the plant's condition and the environmental factors. Mealybugs and scale insects suck the sap of the plant resulting in weak growth and discoloration. Spider mites, on the other hand, spin webs over the plant and cause tissue damage.
To manage the pests, employ biological and chemical control methods. Biological control methods involve the use of natural predators that feed on the pests, while chemical control methods involve the use of insecticides. Ensure proper hygiene by removing the fallen leaves and regular cleaning of the pot. Isolate the infected plants from the healthy ones and avoid using old tools on the plants.
If the pests are a recurrent issue, consider using a systemic insecticide or hiring a professional pest control service. Ensure to follow the instructions and guidelines on the use of the insecticides.
