Stapelia: proper care at home, beautiful flower photos
Stapelia from the family of the finch came to us fromfar from South Africa and Namibia. Outwardly, it resembles a cactus, although it is not, but refers to succulents. The stems of this plant are juicy, usually tetrahedral, densely branched at the base, and the flowers are unusually beautiful. They have the form of a geometrically regular five-pointed star, large enough (up to 30 cm). Flowers are fleshy, covered with wrinkles, furrows, hairs. Yes, and their coloring is bizarre - from yellow and purple to leopard-spotted. Their smell is also interesting. These flowers unpleasantly smell of rotten meat. In natural conditions, they are so attracted to pollinators-flies.
Types of Stapelia
This plant is diverse, mainly because ofthe difference in colors, the stems are almost the same. There are such types: motley, giant, large-flowered, variable, ferriferous, standing-flowered, however, the most common first three.
Stapelia motley
It is also called variable. It is the most common of all kinds. It is distinguished by stunted stems without edges. Her flowers are light yellow, wrinkled, with dark brown spots and stripes. Blossoms mostly in the period from May to September, with small flowers. In a state of not flowering, the eye is not very pleasing.
Stapelia Giant
It is very popular among amateursplant breeding, its interesting specimens can also be found in botanical gardens. The flowers are light yellow, pale, but they are quite large in size, the diameter of the corolla is up to 35 cm, for which it was given the name. On petals of flowers there are thin hairs. It smells not expressively, but it is unpleasant.
Stapelia grandiflora
Grandiflora is the name of large-floweredstapel. The most common in home floriculture. Although the flowers are large, but smaller than the giant. Petals have a purple color, bloom mainly in the summer for 5 days and have an unpleasant sharp smell.
Home care
This flower is undemanding in nursing, growingits simple enough. Lighting should be bright, but diffused, without direct sun, especially in summer. The western, eastern direction is best suited. In summer, the plant is well tolerated on the street.
Temperature for maintenance from spring to autumnis maintained in the range of +22 - + 26 ° C. In autumn the plant is prepared for the winter rest period, gradually reducing the temperature to 16 ° C. In such conditions, it is contained throughout the winter.
The moisture content of the medium is not important for it. The dry air of our apartments it carries perfectly.
In the period of its growth watering should be moderate,only when the substrate dries. In winter, watering is reduced (1-2 times a month). It should be borne in mind that the more a warm environment contains a plant, the more often it needs moisture.
Staples are fertilized only in spring and summerSpecial fertilizers for succulents in the manufacturer's recommended dosage. Particular attention should be given to potassium top dressing, in which the flower has an increased need.
Transplantation at a young age should be performedannually, and in the adult - every 3 years. Pots should be shallow, one third of them should be drained. The substrate is strongly sandy, for example, a mixture of soddy land with coarse sand.
Stapelia does not blossom, what should I do?
If your indoor miracle has ceased to please you with flowers, you should feed it with fertilizers and change the lighting.
Why does it turn yellow?
If the flower does not have enough light, it will start to turn yellow. In this case, you have to rejuvenate the bush with the help of cuttings - this is the only chance to save it.
Reproduction of piles
This flower can be propagated by stem cuttings and seeds.
Cutting
Cuttings multiply them much easier and faster. Take cuttings better from old shoots. It is necessary to cut the cuttings and dry them within 24 hours. Planted in a pot with a light substrate and placed in a well-lit place. The window sill is best for this. They take root very well.
Stapelia from the seeds
After it fades, in place of flowersfruits appear, with numerous seeds. Another year is required for the seeds to ripen, for this they are sown in sandy soil. A month later, sprouted sprouts are transplanted into deeper pots, and after one year, the plant is planted independently.
