Origin
Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It is native to the southern African countries of Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Common Names
Commonly known as the Carrion Plant or Zulu Giant, this succulent has earned its name because of the pungent scent it emits when producing large, dark red flowers that resemble rotting flesh.
Uses
The Carrion Plant is a unique and interesting plant to grow. While it does not have any significant medicinal or nutritional value, it is an attention-grabbing plant that will add a touch of exotic beauty to any garden. The plant forms a low mound of thick, fleshy, blue-green stems that are armed with numerous short, sharp, dark-tipped bumps. It is ideal for rock gardens, container gardening, or as a drought-tolerant groundcover in arid regions.
General Appearance
The Carrion Plant is a succulent that grows up to 60 cm in height and spreads about 30 cm in width. The stems are triangular in cross-section and are covered with small bumps that look like tiny warts. They arise from a thick, underground rootstock. The plant has reduced leaves that are only about 1–2 mm in length. It produces large, star-shaped flowers that are 15-20 cm across and dark crimson in color. They are covered with dense reddish-brown hairs along the margins of the petals and emit a strong odor resembling rotting meat to attract pollinators such as flies or beetles. The plant blossoms from summer to autumn, and each flower lasts for about a week before withering.
Light Conditions
The Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. plant requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The plant can tolerate some direct sunlight but should be protected from the hot afternoon sun, particularly during the summer months.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. plant is between 60-85°F (15-29°C). This plant is tolerant of heat and can withstand temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) for short periods of time. However, it is important to protect the plant from frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil and Moisture
Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss works well for this plant. The plant should be watered sparingly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. During the dormant season, the plant should be watered very sparingly to encourage blooming.
Cultivation Methods
Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. is a succulent plant that requires well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging. As such, it is advisable to mix the soil with sand or perlite to promote good drainage. Additionally, the plant thrives in bright, indirect light and should be placed in an area that receives adequate sunlight throughout the day.Watering Needs
This plant requires infrequent watering, especially during the growing season. Watering should be done when the soil is completely dry, and it should be done sparingly. Overwatering is harmful to Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. and can lead to root rot. During the winter season, the plant should be watered even less.Fertilization
Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. thrives in soil that is rich in nutrients. As such, it is important to fertilize the plant during the growing season to promote healthy growth. A balanced liquid fertilizer should be used, and it should be diluted to half strength before application. Fertilization should be done once every two weeks.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant as it does not grow tall. However, it is advisable to remove any damaged or unhealthy parts of the plant to promote healthy growth. Additionally, the plant may produce offsets that can be removed and planted elsewhere to propagate new plants.Propagation of Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br.
Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. can be propagated by seeds, cuttings and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. should be sown in well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and bright location. It may take several weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is the easiest method to propagate Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be left to callus for a few days before being planted in well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet to avoid rotting of the cutting. Roots will develop in a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to a larger pot once it has started growing.
Propagation by Division
Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. can also be propagated by division. This method should be done when the plant has outgrown its pot. The plant should be carefully removed from its pot and the roots should be gently separated into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy stem and roots. The divided plants should be replanted in well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and bright location. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet to avoid rotting of the divided plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br.
Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. is a succulent plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Although it is a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage the plant. By learning about the common diseases and pests that affect this plant, you can identify them early and take appropriate measures to prevent further damage and preserve the health of the plant.
Common diseases
The most common diseases that may affect Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. are fungal diseases such as stem rot and leaf spotting. These diseases can be caused by environmental factors such as high humidity and poor air circulation, as well as overwatering. Overwatering can cause the soil to become waterlogged, leading to root rot and other fungal infections.
Pest management
Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br. is also susceptible to insect pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the leaves by sucking sap, which leads to yellowing and leaf drop. If left untreated, an infestation can spread quickly, causing significant damage to the plant.
To manage mealybugs and spider mites, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any visible pests with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. In addition, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population. If the infestation is severe, you may need to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate the pests.
Disease management
To prevent fungal diseases, it is important to provide adequate air circulation and avoid overwatering. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. If fungal infections do occur, it is important to prune affected areas and dispose of any infected plant material to prevent the spread of the disease. In severe cases, you may need to use a fungicidal spray to control the spread of the disease.
By taking proactive measures and monitoring the health of your plant regularly, you can prevent common diseases and pests from causing significant damage to your Stapelia pillansii N.E.Br. var. attenuata N.E.Br.
