La stapelia It is an unmistakable succulent: fleshy stems, large starry flowers and a intense aroma which attracts its natural pollinators. It brings an exotic touch to collections and rockeries, and well cultivated is rustic and easy to keep in a pot.
- Characteristics of Stapelia
- Location and climate for Stapelia
- Watering Stapelia
- Substrate for the Stapelia plant
- Vegetative period
Characteristics of Stapelia
African family genus apocynaceae, with numerous species native to the south of the continent, the Stapelia presents angular stems, with serrated edges, without leaves and with great capacity for store waterThe flowers, flat and star-shaped, can measure from 5 to 40 cm, with hairy textures and variable patterns; in large species they emerge from the base of the stems. Their fruits release feathery seeds dispersed by wind and pollination is entomophilous, mainly by flies attracted by the smell reminiscent of decomposing organic matter.
Essential taxonomy: Family: Apocynaceae; Genus: Stapelia. It is a plant perennial and succulent that grows more in width than in height. Discover other interesting plants to complement your collection.
Main species: S. variegata (creamy yellow flowers mottled with brown, with varieties such as atropurpurea o Curtisii), S. hirsuta (densely hairy stems and flowers), S. Gigantea (huge flowers, rarely blooms indoors), S. grandiflora (very ornamental, purple tones), S. flavopurpurea (peculiar because its flowers can be pleasantly scented and with shades from green to yellow or reddish), S. leendertziae (red-purple bell-shaped flower, including its shape cristata) and S. erectiflora (small, recurved petals). Some, like S. pearsoniiAre listed by the IUCN and require conservation.
Location and climate for Stapelia
Needs to a lot of light and tolerates mild direct sunlight (ideally early hours). In warm climates it thrives outdoors; in colder climates it is best as a houseplant next to very bright windows. Avoid frost and cold drafts: the ideal is to keep it between 15 and 25 ° C, without dropping below 10–13 ºC for extended periods. An environment dry Reduces the risk of fungal infections. To further expand your knowledge of fungal care, visit All the complete information on caring for the Stapelia plant.
Watering Stapelia
During the growing season (spring-summer) water evenly. moderate and spaced, soaking the substrate and allowing the top layer to dry before repeating. Do not leave water in the plato, as it causes rot. In autumn-winter, reduce the contributions to keep the substrate only slightly damp; if it gets very cold, cut back on watering even more. Stems that shrivel from the tip usually indicate lack of water; soft, dark base, excessFor more details, see our guide. How to start a cactus and succulent collection.
Substrate for the Stapelia plant
Prefers a very medium draining: mix for cacti and succulents with gross sand or pumice in equal parts. Place pieces of ceramic or gravel in the bottom of the pot to facilitate water drainage. Transplanting in spring improves vigor; use wide pots to encourage horizontal growth, without exceeding 30 diameter cmLearn more about ideal substrate types at plants with original shapes for your garden.
Vegetative period
Its active phase coincides with the warm-temperate climate. flowering It usually occurs in the warmer months and is prolonged because the flowers open in sequenceEach flower doesn't last long, but the spectacle can be repeated for weeks with plenty of light and controlled watering. This period is crucial for spectacular blooms, which can be sustained with proper care.
Transplanting and fertilization
Repot every year or when you see the stems piled up at the edge. Fertilize during the growing season every 3–4 weeks with liquid fertilizer balanced in NPK and with microelements (Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Mo), using doses slightly lower than those indicated by the manufacturer. Stop fertilizing when dormant. Correct fertilization ensures optimal health and more abundant flowering.
Flowering and pruning
The Stapelia blooms with a lot of light and tight pots; too much space can delay flowering. No pruning required: remove only dry parts with disinfected tools to prevent infection. Pruning can facilitate better growth and flowering if done at the right time.
Multiplication
Cuttings: take healthy segments at the beginning of summer, leave scar 1–2 weeks and plant about 1,5 cm deep in mineral substrate (coarse sand + cactus mix). Keep in light shade for about 16 ° C until it starts growing again, and then it's moved to its final pot. They usually flower the following season. Propagation by cuttings is a simple way to expand your collection.
Seeds: Sow in early spring in a cactus and sand mix, covering very lightly with sand. Keep at 20–25 ºC, soft light and even humidity with fine mist sprays. Germinates in about a week. Transplant to small pots (≈8 cm) when the seedlings reach about 5 cm. The time until flowering is variable according to the species.
Plagues and diseases
Watch the cottony mealybug: It is detected as white specks on stems. Remove it with cotton and alcohol or wash with neutral soap and rinse; outdoors, use specific insecticides prioritizing treating the larvaeBasal rot requires removing affected tissues, checking roots, applying sulfur fungicide and improve drainage. The key prevention is to avoid waterlogging.
Curiosities and origin
The genre honors Johannes van Stapel, named by Linnaeus. It is popularly known as carrion flower for its fly pollination strategy. South Africa and neighboring regions are its natural habitat in dry and stony areas. It is a succulent low maintenance and great ornamental value for collectors.
Do you want to know if yours is Stapelia grandiflora or another species? With a photo you can identify her and get more precise advice on watering, substrate, toxicity and treatments.
With plenty of light, prudent watering, and a well-draining substrate, Stapelia remains vigorous and can produce spectacular flowers without complications, even in a pot indoors.