Stapelia similis is a tufted cactus-like plant with small-sized and showy dark purple star-fish shaped flowers. It is a relatively large, perennial, stem succulent that can form large compact clusters up to 15 cm tall and 40 cm in diameter (or more). Stems erect, bluntly 4-6-angled, 7-15(-25) cm long, 1-1.5(-2) cm across, tapering slightly towards their tips and with Regularly spaced tooth on the angles. The stems vary in colour between greyish green and dark purple and are covered in fine hairs.
The corolla of the flower is purple or dark brown in color and has a stubby, 5-pointed, star-shape up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) across. The upper (inner) surface of the corolla is hairless, but covered in finely irregular transversal wrinkling. The outer corona has 5 oblong lobes, hairless and nearly black. The inner corolla has tapering lobes above the anthers.
How to Grow and Care
Several species are fairly easy to grow. Others, often those with slightly hairy stems and the more unusual flowers, are more challenging and require careful watering (with some fertilizer) during the growing season and complete withdrawal of water during the winter months.
A minimum winter temperature of 10°C (50°F) is acceptable, providing that plants are kept absolutely dry. A heated growing bench or incubator may help delicate plants to get through the colder months. However, many species live under shrubs in habitat and prefer light shade rather than full sun.
SOIL:
For these plants, use moderately fertile, sharply draining type and gritty soil. Potting mix soil with additional grit is good.
PLANTING:
During spring, propagate these plants from the seeds. Plant the seeds at a temperature of 64 to 70°F (18-21°C). During the period between spring and summer, Propagation is done from the cutting of root or stem.
WATERING:
Supply water every morning all along the initial period of its growth. Water weekly once, in the next year of its growth.
The seedlings are hardened prior to transferring them outdoors or into pots forever. This is done by letting the soil of the potting mix to dry in between watering. Every morning, for a while, keep them out in the open air where direct sunlight is available. Slowly increase the duration of exposure from one to two hours.
Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Origin:
Stapelia similis native to Namibia and South Africa (Northern Cape Province).
Propagation: Easiest with stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to dry a day before planting. Stems must be laid (Not buried) on gritty compost and will then root from the underside of the stems. It can also be increased from seeds sowing in spring in moist, sandy peat moss. Barely cover seeds.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE stapelia
The corolla of the flower is purple or dark brown in color and has a stubby, 5-pointed, star-shape up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) across. The upper (inner) surface of the corolla is hairless, but covered in finely irregular transversal wrinkling. The outer corona has 5 oblong lobes, hairless and nearly black. The inner corolla has tapering lobes above the anthers.
- Scientific Name: Stapelia similis N.E. Br.
- Common Names: Similar Stapelia
- Synonyms: Stapelia juttae, Stapelia noachabibensis, Stapelia portae-taurinae
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
- Tribe: Stapeliae
- Genus: Stapelia
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| source pic: biolib.cz flickr.com |
How to Grow and Care
Several species are fairly easy to grow. Others, often those with slightly hairy stems and the more unusual flowers, are more challenging and require careful watering (with some fertilizer) during the growing season and complete withdrawal of water during the winter months.
A minimum winter temperature of 10°C (50°F) is acceptable, providing that plants are kept absolutely dry. A heated growing bench or incubator may help delicate plants to get through the colder months. However, many species live under shrubs in habitat and prefer light shade rather than full sun.
SOIL:
For these plants, use moderately fertile, sharply draining type and gritty soil. Potting mix soil with additional grit is good.
PLANTING:
During spring, propagate these plants from the seeds. Plant the seeds at a temperature of 64 to 70°F (18-21°C). During the period between spring and summer, Propagation is done from the cutting of root or stem.
WATERING:
Supply water every morning all along the initial period of its growth. Water weekly once, in the next year of its growth.
The seedlings are hardened prior to transferring them outdoors or into pots forever. This is done by letting the soil of the potting mix to dry in between watering. Every morning, for a while, keep them out in the open air where direct sunlight is available. Slowly increase the duration of exposure from one to two hours.
Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Origin:
Stapelia similis native to Namibia and South Africa (Northern Cape Province).
Propagation: Easiest with stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to dry a day before planting. Stems must be laid (Not buried) on gritty compost and will then root from the underside of the stems. It can also be increased from seeds sowing in spring in moist, sandy peat moss. Barely cover seeds.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE stapelia
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| source pic: fotki.com |
