Stapelia variegata (Orbea variegata)

There are very curious succulent plants, such as Stapelia variegata, now call orbea variegata. Its height is quite low, but it can also be used as a hanging plant since, being somewhat creeping, its stems tend to come out of the pot.

What's more, produces very nice and large flowers, in colors that may not be the most showy, but they do make the ornamental value only increase.

Origin and characteristics of orbea variegata

It is a non-cactus succulent, or crass plant, known as lizard flower or star flower whose current scientific name is orbea variegata. Thus, the above, Stapelia variegata, has become a synonym. But, whatever it is called, its characteristics have not changed  .

It is a perennial plant that does not have leaves, but has fleshy, serrated stems, about 10 centimeters long. that are responsible for producing chlorophyll and therefore for photosynthesis. Its flowers are large, with a diameter of up to 8 centimeters, star-shaped, white, whitish or yellow, mottled with brown.

Native to the Western Cape, in South Africa, it is a very interesting species to have outdoors all year round in hot climates, or indoors if it is temperate and / or cool.

What are the care you need?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location

• Exterior: it is a plant that must be in an area where it receives a lot of light, so it is highly advisable to place it in full sun, or at least where they give it a minimum of 4 hours of sun a day.
• Interior: grows well in bright interior patios, or in those rooms where there are windows through which a lot of natural light enters.

Earth

• Flower pot: to prevent its roots from rotting, substrates that facilitate water drainage should be used. That is why volcanic sands (pomx, akadama) are so interesting.
  If you can't get them, mix 30% black peat with 70% fine gravel; or universal substrate with equal parts perlite.
• Garden: grows in well-drained soils. As the Orbea variegata is relatively small, if the soil you have tends to compact a lot, make a hole of about 50 x 50cm, plant your orbea in a large pot, and insert it into the hole. Finish filling with fine gravel, volcanic clay or clay.

Irrigation

Rather scarce. Water only when you see that the soil is dry. When in doubt, it is better not to water, but when touching, moisten all the soil / substrate well.

If you have it in a pot, do not put a plate under it, unless you know that you will always remember to remove any excess water 30 minutes after watering. The roots would be damaged if they are in permanent contact with standing water.

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During the warm months of the year it should be paid with a liquid succulent fertilizer, following the indications specified on the product packaging.

If you prefer to use natural products, the use of mineral fertilizers is highly recommended. These plants, being native to areas where there is hardly any decomposing organic matter, are better prepared to absorb nutrients from minerals than from animals.

Multiplication

La orbea variegata multiplies by seeds and cuttings in spring:

Seeds

The seeds they are sown in seedbeds of low height, with holes in the base, and filled with universal substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts. They have to be a little buried, I insist, just a little, enough so that the wind cannot carry them away and so that they are not exposed directly to the sun.

Water, and place the seedbed outside, in semi-shade; or indoors near a source of heat and light.

They will germinate in about 15 days.

Cuttings

To multiply by cuttings just take a stem, let the wound dry for a week, and then plant it (not nail it) in a pot soil for cacti and succulents.

Protect it from direct sun, and water from time to time: about 2 times a week if it is summer, less if it is not.

If all goes well, they will root in about 20 days.

Pests

It is very hardy, but sadly, like many succulents, is vulnerable to attack by snails and slugs. These animals love tender and fleshy shoots, so during the rainy season it is best to protect them, at least, with mosquito netting as if it were a mini greenhouse, diatomaceous earth, or if it is in a pot, putting it in at home.

Diseases

If it is watered in excess and / or if the environment is very humid, the fungi could damage it. To avoid problems, do not hesitate to carry out preventive / curative treatments with copper-based fungicides.

Planting or transplanting time

If you want to have it in the garden, you can plant it in spring. In the case that you grow it in a pot, it may require a transplant every 3 years.

Rusticity

From experience I will tell you that it resists even -1'5ºCbut the hail hurts him. In any case, the ideal is that it does not drop below 0º.

What do you think?