Origin
Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. is a succulent hybrid plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is native to southern Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Carrion flower," "Starfish flower," "Toad plant," or "Zulu giant."
Appearance
The plant has an unusual, distinctive, and attractive appearance with thick flesh, green stems, and leafless branches that can grow up to 30 cm in length. The plant bears stunning flowers that measure up to 25 cm in diameter and have a unique star shape with five pointed petals that are hairy, dark red, and covered with white hairs that look like spines, and a black center. The flowers emit a strong and unpleasant odor that attracts flies, which help in pollination.
Uses
The plant has limited medicinal use, and its sap is used as a remedy for toothaches. The plant is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or homes due to its unique and attractive appearance, and it is considered an interesting addition to any plant collection. The plant is also known for its ability to purify the air, making it an excellent choice for natural air filters.
Light Requirements
The Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. plant requires bright but filtered light to grow well. Direct sunlight may damage the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant. A bright, partially shaded spot near a window would be an ideal spot for the plant to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. plant requires warm temperatures to grow properly. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C to 24°C. The plant should be kept away from any cold drafts or temperature fluctuations, as this can affect the growth negatively.
Soil Requirements
The Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. plant requires well-draining soil to grow properly. A mix of sand, perlite, and peat-based soil would be perfect for this succulent plant. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. Watering the plant once every week or two weeks should be sufficient.
Cultivation Methods
Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr., commonly known as the starfish flower due to its unique shape and appearance, is a beautiful plant that requires minimal care. These plants are native to South Africa and thrive in warm and dry environments.
The ideal growing conditions for this plant are bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. The plant prefers temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.6°C) and does not tolerate frost.
When planting the starfish flower, ensure to use a container with several drainage holes at the bottom. Add a mixture of cactus soil, sand, and perlite to create an ideal growing medium.
Watering Needs
Starfish flowers are succulents, meaning they store water in their leaves. Therefore, it is essential to avoid overwatering them. It is best to let the soil dry out completely before watering the plant.
Watering the plant once a week is sufficient during the growing season. During the dormant season, water the starfish flower sparingly, once every two weeks. If the leaves start to shrivel, it is a sign that the plant needs water.
Fertilization
Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. requires little fertilization. It is best to apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the dormant season as the plant is not actively growing.
Overfertilizing can lead to poor growth, so be careful not to apply too much fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the starfish flower. However, if you notice any dead or damaged stems, you can snip them off with a clean pair of scissors.
The plant may also become leggy, and trimming it back by a few inches can promote new growth and a bushier plant.
When pruning, always use sharp and sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr.
Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. is a stunning succulent, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. There are a few different methods for propagating this plant, and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by Cuttings
One of the easiest and most common methods for propagating Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. is by using stem cuttings. To do this, take a stem cutting from a healthy plant, making sure it is at least two inches long. Allow the cutting to dry out for a few days, and then place it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. The cutting should start to root within a few weeks.
Propagation by Division
Another method for propagating Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. is by division. This method is best suited for mature plants that have developed multiple stems. To divide the plant, carefully remove it from its pot and separate the stems, making sure each stem has some roots attached. Replant each stem in a separate pot with well-draining soil and water them thoroughly.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is also possible for Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr., but it is a much more challenging method. To propagate by seeds, collect the seeds from a mature plant and plant them in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm, bright spot. The seeds will usually germinate within a few weeks, but it may take several months for the plant to grow to a size where it can be transplanted.
Whichever method you choose, it's important to remember that Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. is a delicate plant and needs to be handled gently to avoid damaging the stems or roots. With proper care, you can successfully propagate this beautiful succulent and enjoy its unique beauty in your own home.
Disease Management
The plant Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. is generally not prone to diseases if grown in proper conditions. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant are:
- Root Rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot. To manage root rot, allow the soil to dry out between waterings and improve drainage by adding perlite or sand to the soil.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is generally caused by fungal or bacterial infections. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and crowded growing conditions. If leaf spot occurs, remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide or bactericide.
Pest Management
The plant Stapelia kwebensis N.E.Br. x S. schinzii A.Berger & Schltr. is not usually affected by pests, but some common pests that may infest the plant are:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the plant’s sap. To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. For severe infestations, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale: Scale insects are small, brown or black insects that attach themselves to the plant’s stems and leaves. To manage scale, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. For severe infestations, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
