Origin
Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh., commonly known as Primos' Stapelia or Limpopo Carrion Flower, is a species of flowering plant from the Apocynaceae family. The plant is native to South Africa, specifically found in the Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga regions.
Common Names
Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. is commonly known as Primos' Stapelia or Limpopo Carrion Flower due to its foul-smelling flowers that mimic the scent of rotting flesh to attract pollinators like carrion flies and beetles.
Uses
Similar to other Stapelia species, Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. is mainly ornamental and valued by plant enthusiasts for its unique appearance and fascinating flowers. However, in traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments like dysmenorrhea, abdominal pains, and snakebites. The plant's milky sap is also known to possess insecticidal properties, which locals use to control insect pests in their farms.
General Appearance
Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. is a succulent plant that grows as a mat-forming or clumping shrub. The plant has a thick, fleshy stem with four angles and grows up to about 30 cm tall. The stem's surface is dark green and has pronounced, raised tubercles, which give it a warty appearance. The leaves are reduced to small, scale-like structures that serve a more supportive function than photosynthesis. Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. produces star-shaped flowers that grow up to 10 cm in diameter and have a blazing-red color, covered in white, star-shaped hairs. The flowers are infamous for their disgusting smell, which attracts carrion flies and beetles, which are responsible for their pollination.
Light Requirements
The Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. thrives in bright but indirect light. Direct exposure to hot and strong sunlight can be detrimental to its growth. It is best to place the plant in a location that receives bright and filtered light, such as near a window with a sheer curtain or on an outdoor porch with some shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to subtropical and tropical regions, so it requires warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It is sensitive to extreme temperature changes and cannot tolerate frost. During the winter, it is best to keep the plant in a heated room or provide insulation if grown outdoors.
Soil Requirements
As with other succulents, this plant requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. A sandy or porous soil mix with good drainage is ideal. It is also important to ensure that the container has drainage holes and that excess water can easily escape. The plant is drought-tolerant but still requires occasional watering when the soil is completely dry.
Cultivation methods
Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. thrives well in a variety of soil types, but it requires good drainage. You should mix equal parts of sand, gravel, and perlite into the potting soil. Grow it in a location with plenty of light but not under direct sunlight. This plant does well in temperatures between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
Watering needs
Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. is drought resistant, but it requires regular watering during the growing season. You should water it adequately every week. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering at all costs. Overwatering can cause root rot. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks.
Fertilization
Fertilize Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. in the growing season with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Fertilize once every three weeks. Don't fertilize in the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but you can pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage branching. You should also remove any dead or diseased parts. Prune only during the active growth period.
Propagation of Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh.
Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. can be propagated through several methods such as stem cuttings, seed sowing, and division.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
The stem cuttings of Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm long and should be allowed to dry for a few days before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged and the cutting should be placed in a bright, indirect light until roots and new growth have developed.
Propagation through Seed Sowing
Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. can be propagated through seed sowing as well. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and placed in a bright, indirect light. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate in approximately two to four weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers once they have developed a few sets of true leaves.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is also possible for Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. This method should be carried out during the growing season. The plant should be carefully removed from its pot, and the clumps should be gently divided into smaller sections. These smaller sections should be replanted into their own containers in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the plants should be placed in a bright, indirect light until new growth has developed.
Disease and Pest Management for Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh.
Like any other plant, Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. is susceptible to diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management practices are critical to ensure plant health and high yields. Here are some common diseases and pests that infest Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. and possible ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal and bacterial diseases are common in Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. and can cause significant damage to the plant's health if not addressed promptly.
Grey Mould - This fungal disease causes greyish-brown, water-soaked lesions on the plant's stems and leaves, leading to wilting and eventual collapse. Remove infected plant parts and maintain good air circulation to reduce humidity levels.
Root Rot - Overwatering and poorly-draining soil can cause root rot, a fungal disease that attacks the plant's roots. Symptoms include discoloured and mushy roots, stunted growth and wilting. Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Pests
Several pests infest Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. and can cause reduced yields and plant damage. Cultural and chemical control methods can be used to manage pest infestations.
Mealybugs - These pests suck plant sap, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves. They also secrete honeydew, promoting the growth of sooty mould. Remove mealybugs using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or insecticidal soap. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to control infestations.
Aphids - Aphids can cause curving and yellowing of leaves and stunt plant growth. They secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mould. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to manage infestations.
Regular monitoring and proper management practices are necessary to keep Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br. var. primosii C.A.Lückh. healthy and free from diseases and pests.
