Orbea variegata, Stapelia variegata

Staples form a very interesting group within the succulents. Their whimsical blooms come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. The flowers usually come in color combinations of dark red and light yellow, although the drawing and pattern can vary greatly. One can be found in a sheltered rock garden, under exposed rocks or even in the conservatory Stapelia variegata extremely good, but they are also easy to grow in the house or on the balcony cultivate.

Characteristics

• botanical name: Orbea variegate (or Stackia variegata)
• other names: carrion flower, order star, cockade flower
• belongs to the milkweed family
• leafless succulent stem succulent branching from the base
• fleshy, soft, four-edged stems with pointed teeth
• Flowers: 60-80mm in diameter with 5 petals and a raised disc in the centre
• Flower color: very variable, often dark red or brown tones in combination with yellow
• Blossoms smell unpleasant (like carrion)
• Height of growth: seldom higher than 20 cm, also overhanging in old age

species and occurrence

Orbea variegata used to belong to the genus Stapelia, but was then regrouped and is now assigned to the genus Orbea. Orbea variegata is probably the best known of the many Orbea species and has been cultivated here for a long time (from around 1650). The plant is originally native to South Africa and grows there in the winter rainy area along the coastal strip. In addition, some species occur in Australia and in the Indian region.

Location

In direct sunlight, Orbea variegata blooms profusely and can withstand extreme heat. At lunchtime she is happy about a little shade. It still thrives well in shaded areas, but blooms a little less. If the plant is strong and healthy, the robust plant also tolerates light frosts.

• Light conditions: full sun to light shade
• Soil: gravelly (sandy), well drained soil
• pH value: neutral to slightly calcareous (7.5 to 8.5)
• slightly humorous
• good air circulation

rest period

The succulent nature of the stems allows the plants to enter a dormant state during the year when there is insufficient rainfall. She then lives on her reserves for some time. Even in our latitudes, it needs a resting phase. It is important to know which region the plant comes from, so that you stop watering either in summer or in winter. Most Orbea variegata that are available from us are dormant in winter.

1. Origin South Africa (or Australia): Dry season (rest) from May to September
2. Origin India (Southeast Asia): Dry season from November to April/May

watering and fertilizing

During the growth phase, a gardener should water the plant regularly, but carefully rather than excessively. It is important to always let the soil dry out well between the individual waterings. In winter, the Orbea variegata must be kept as dry as possible. The plants can survive for a long time without water. A lack of water is easily recognized by the succulent stems shrinking. Then at the latest it is time to give the plant water before it is no longer able to recover. Long periods of rain are not a problem with good drainage. Fertilization takes place between April and August every four weeks with 0.2% phosphate fertilizer or long-term fertilizer.

substrate

Carrion flowers are somewhat tricky with their substrate and are sensitive to waterlogging or poorly draining soil. If the roots are exposed to constant moisture, mold will form or the roots will rot. In addition, the plant does not tolerate compacted soil. The potting soil should always be well permeable to air. Orbea variegata prefers a well-drained, sandy soil that consists of equal parts of the following materials:

• sand, clay granules (pumice granules)
• Potting soil (or cactus soil)
• Topsoil or mature compost

Plant

Orbea variegata is well suited as a groundcover for the rock garden or sunny and warm, rocky substrates. However, most species are better cultivated as a container plant or in a hanging basket, as they are only partially hardy. With the planter, it should be noted that the Stapelia is a shallow root. It therefore needs a rather flat, but sufficiently large container so that it can spread its roots unhindered. Repotting is necessary about every two to three years, although it is not necessary to plant in a larger pot if there is still enough space. It is also important to change the substrate so that the pH value in the soil does not rise and there are always enough nutrients.

multiply

Stapelia variegata can easily be propagated from cuttings or fresh seeds. The cuttings are cut after the active growth phase before the plant enters its dormant phase.

• Timing: autumn (for species that flower in winter: spring)
• Cut off shoots with sufficient rooting
• place in moist substrate

Cultivation from seeds

If the flower was pollinated by flies, the winged seeds form in so-called follicles in late summer or autumn. It is best to sow the seeds when they are fresh, because then they germinate more easily. The plants grow quickly and form their first flowers after just three years. Since most seeds are not of a pure species, growing from seeds is always a surprise for the gardener.

• Time: spring
• Substrate: Seramis (clay granules), sand and cactus soil (equal parts)
• Moisten the substrate
• lay seeds
• Lightly press
• Light germinates, do not cover with soil
• place in indoor greenhouse
• alternatively cover with clear plastic bag or pane of glass
• Germination temperature: room temperature (23-28 °C during the day, 20-22 °C at night)
• bright but no direct sun
• Germination time: 3-6 weeks

hibernate

Most species of Orbea variegata have their dormant period in this winter. During this time they may only be watered very rarely and do not receive any fertilizer. The plant is best placed in a light spot with temperatures well below 18°C. Cold houses, greenhouses or bright, cool corridors (5-12 °C) are ideal. In very mild and sheltered locations, the carrion flowers can also overwinter outdoors. In cold winters they need to be dug up carefully and overwinter in a cool and dry place.

diseases and pests

Orbea variegata is quite resistant to the fungal disease "Black Death", which is otherwise common in this genus. The sprouts first get black spots and then die off at a rapid pace. Infection is favored by cool temperatures and high humidity. In the event of an illness, affected parts of the plant must be cut off promptly and disposed of in the household waste.

Editor's conclusion

Orbea variegata is quite robust and easy to cultivate. On a humus-rich, very well-drained soil in a partially shaded location, it can grow in a cushion-like manner in the rock garden, in a bucket or even in the room. In winter, the succulent needs a rest period. At this time it is placed at 5-12 °C, dry and bright. During the flowering period, the plant is best placed outdoors in a sunny spot, as the flower smells unpleasantly of carrion.

Worth knowing about Stapelia veriegata

The Stapelia variegata is one of the succulents. But for the sake of simplicity, these flowers are often grouped together with cacti as succulents and succulent-like plants because they have a lot in common. They love warmth and need little water. This also applies to the Stapelia variegata, which is called "carrion flower" in German. The flower owes its unflattering name to its unpleasant smell. It gives off an odor slightly reminiscent of carrion, which can be off-putting to those with a sensitive sense of smell. However, she compensates for this smell with her really beautiful flowers.

• Stapelia variegata requires a temperature of 10 °C and above, there are no upper limits.
• However, one should not plant them outside before the thermometer has exceeded 15 °C.
• It can also be cultivated very well as a houseplant.
• The Stapelia variegata has a stem from which various shoots or stalks develop.
• These thick, fleshy, green stalks are often serrated on the edge as well, and small leaves are then found at the edge of these branches.
• The flowers are large and star-shaped, often dark in color, but they also come in yellow, red, and purple.
• The biggest mistake one can make with this flower is over watering. She is sensitive to that.
• Drought does not harm her in general.
• However, if you water too much, black discoloration will form on the stems or mold will develop.
• The affected stalk must then be removed or the plant will not recover.
• Otherwise, Stapelia variegata is as hardy as all succulents.

Learn more about succulents