How to grow Stapelia? A complete guide to the latest cultivation methods
Stapelia is a fairly ideal indoor ornamental flower, also known as Guozhang flower, Huiwen palm, mink flower, etc. It is a perennial succulent herbaceous plant of the genus Stapelia in the Apocynaceae family, small and exquisite, easy to propagate, highly adaptable, requiring only rough management, with both stems and flowers beautiful, and possessing extremely high ornamental value. Let us take a look together at the cultivation methods for Stapelia!
Growth habits of Stapelia
Stapelia is native to tropical Africa and is cultivated in parks (greenhouses) in North China. Its stems are bright green, growing in clusters of several plants, about 10 cm tall, resembling a cactus, with four ribs, the ribs slightly blunt, bearing thick soft spines, smooth, green, and leafless. Flowers are solitary or in clusters of several, the follicles smooth, and the seeds bear white silky hairs at the tip. It likes warmth and sunshine, is especially drought-tolerant, and fears waterlogging and cold.
Propagation methods of Stapelia
Stapelia is very easy to propagate by cuttings or division and can be done in any season except the hot, humid midsummer. For cuttings, cut stem branches from the mother plant or separate clustered stems from the base, cut them into 5-6 cm long cuttings, place them in semi-shade and ventilation to dry for 1-2 days, and when the cut has scabbed over and the stem skin has shrunk inward, insert them into loose sandy loam soil. Water sparingly and maintain a temperature of 20-25°C; roots will form in about 10-15 days, and once the roots are 3-4 cm long they can be potted. Division is done in early spring, and after replanting the water supply must be appropriately restricted.
Cultivation methods of Stapelia
1. Soil: Stapelia has low soil requirements. Ordinary loam plus coarse sand or sandy soil is sufficient for the potting mix, and there is no need to add too much humus.
2. Temperature: During the growing season, Stapelia should be placed outdoors with ample light, avoiding the scorching sun. In winter it should be placed in a warm room or near a windowsill with plenty of sunlight, and the nighttime room temperature should be kept above 5°C.
3. Fertilizing: Stapelia does not need heavy fertilizing. Applying a thin liquid fertilizer once every 2 to 3 weeks is enough for it to grow well. If the potting soil is changed 2 to 3 times in summer and autumn, it can also grow vigorously without fertilizing.
4. Watering: Stapelia is not tolerant of waterlogging and should be kept from rain in summer. Overwatering or water accumulating in the pot can easily cause root rot and death. Generally, water only when the weather is dry, the stems are slightly wilted, and the surface of the potting soil turns pale.
5. Toxicity: Stapelia belongs to the Apocynaceae family, and eight or nine out of ten plants in this family are toxic. If grown at home, there is no problem as long as the plant's sap is not brought into contact with the mouth or skin.