Stapelianthus pilosus is a clump-forming, richly branched, stem succulent, up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The stem is cylindrical, green to very dark brown, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) wide. The leaves emerge green in spring, but quickly begin assuming their bright, eye-catching hues. Flowers are up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) across, with 5 triangular lobes, yellow with brown spots.
Scientific Name
Stapelianthus pilosus Lavranos & D.S. Hardy
Synonyms
Stapelianthus decaryi, Trichocaulon decaryi
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Stapelianthus
How to Grow and Care
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. They should be treated as an outdoor plant as they will easily rot indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. They should be grown under cover so that watering can be controlled.
They require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering. Stapeliads come from climates where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months so most growth is in spring and autumn, with flowering in autumn when the weather starts to cool down.
In growing season, water in moderation when needed, making sure soil is fairly dried out between waterings. Do not water between November 1 and March 1. The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings which can be taken virtually throughout the year. Seed is also a method of propagation… – See more at:
