Origin
Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br. is a member of the family Apocynaceae and is indigenous to southern Africa, particularly in the regions of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Common Names
Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br. is commonly known as 'Carrion Flower', 'Starfish Flower' or 'Aasblom' in Afrikaans. The plant's name 'Carrion Flower' comes from the foul odor it emits which attracts flies to pollinate it, similar to the smell of rotting flesh.
Appearance
The Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br. plant grows on rocky soils with short stems up to 15 cm long. Atop the stems grow thick succulent, triangular, and flat-like leaves that have a rough texture. The plant's flowers grow up to 20 cm in diameter and have five narrow petals that are brownish-purple with white marks. The flowers also have hair-like appendages that help deceive flies into thinking that they have landed on decaying matter and therefore helping the plant get pollinated.
Uses
The Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br. plant is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its unusual flowers and attractive appearance. In some African countries, the plant has also been used for medicinal purposes. For example, in Namibia, the San people used to crush the plant's stems and roots into a powder to make a soap-like substance to wash clothes. The San people also used the plant's leaves to help alleviate stomach issues and headaches.
Light Requirements
Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br. requires plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours, but intense midday sun can scorch the plant's leaves and flowers. Therefore, it's best to position the plant in a location that receives filtered or partial sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br. thrives in warm temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5-26.6°C). It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from winter cold. The plant can be grown outdoors in the summer if the climate is warm enough, but it should be moved indoors before the first frost of the year.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or gritty in texture to mimic its natural growing conditions. A soil mixture that contains 30% sand, 30% perlite, and 40% regular potting soil can be a good option. The pot should have drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br., commonly known as carrion flower, is a succulent plant native to Southern Africa. It is an easy plant to grow and ideal for beginners. The plant thrives in arid regions and requires little attention. Growers should plant the carrion flower in soil that provides good drainage. Clay pots and a mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss make ideal conditions. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
Carrion flower is a drought-resistant plant and requires little water. Overwatering can cause root rot, which is a leading cause of death for the plant. Water the plant deeply but allow the soil to dry entirely between waterings. During the winter, reduce watering to a minimum as cold weather can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, when fertilizing, growers should use a cactus fertilizer or a low nitrogen fertilizer. Over-fertilization can cause the plant to produce too much foliage and fewer flowers. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season, which is in summer.
Pruning
Carrion flowers requires zero to little pruning. The succulent grows up to 30 cm tall and should be allowed to grow naturally. The only time the plant needs pruning is removing diseased or dead growth. When removing foliage, use clean garden shears or scissors, and sterilize them before and after pruning.
Propagation of Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br.
Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br., also known as the Carrion Flower, can be propagated by both seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br. are small, brown, and papery. They can be harvested when the seed pods are completely dry and have split open. To improve germination rates, the seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing them in a well-draining soil mix. The soil moisture should be kept consistent, and the seeds should be kept in bright, indirect light. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed their first set of true leaves.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be at least 4 inches long and should be allowed to callus over at the cut end for a few days before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. After planting, keep the soil evenly moist and provide bright, indirect light. The cuttings should root within a few weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots once they have a well-established root system.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it's important to keep the newly propagated plants in a warm, humid environment until they have fully acclimated to their new surroundings.
Disease Management
Stapelia marlothii is generally resistant to most diseases but can be affected by root rot and fungal infections. Overwatering or poor drainage can result in root rot disease. Fungal infections usually occur due to high humidity or poor air circulation.
To manage root rot disease, it is important to avoid overwatering and to ensure adequate drainage. Remove infected roots and repot in well-draining soil. Fungal infections can be prevented by improving air circulation and reducing humidity. Remove infected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Stapelia marlothii can be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and aphids. Mealybugs and scale insects are common pests that can cause leaves to wilt and yellow. Spider mites can cause leaf drop and discoloration, while aphids can cause stunted growth.
To manage pests, inspect the plant regularly and remove any visible pests manually. Treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. For severe infestations, use a systemic insecticide. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label carefully and to use the appropriate protective gear when handling pesticides.
