Succulents
Aloe 'Night Sky'
Aloe 'Starry Night' before being rebranded as Aloe 'Night Sky'
Aloe 'Starry Night' before being rebranded as Aloe 'Night Sky'
Purchased from Walmart 2023
Aloe 'Night Sky' is a hybrid created by Renee O'Connell from a crossing made in March 2015 at a commercial greenhouse in Vista, California, United States. It was selected by the inventor in 2016 and patented (PP32863) by Altman Plants in 2021.
Aloe 'Night Sky is a beautiful small succulent that forms star-shaped rosettes of olive-green leaves with some white spots. It produces offsets profusely, quickly creating a clump. The leaves are lance-shaped and have sharp teeth along the margins at intervals of 0.6 to 0.8 inches (1.5 to 2 cm). They can measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 0.2 inches (5 cm) wide. The leaves take on beautiful bronze hues when exposed to direct sunlight and cold temperatures.
From late fall to early winter, Aloe 'Night Sky' produces tubular flowers arranged in racemes with a short stalk. The racemes can reach a height of 8 inches and a diameter of 2.4 inches. The flowers are orange with yellow-green tips and can measure up to 1.4 inches in length and 0.4 inches in width at their widest point.
Aloe 'Night Sky is a beautiful small succulent that forms star-shaped rosettes of olive-green leaves with some white spots. It produces offsets profusely, quickly creating a clump. The leaves are lance-shaped and have sharp teeth along the margins at intervals of 0.6 to 0.8 inches (1.5 to 2 cm). They can measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 0.2 inches (5 cm) wide. The leaves take on beautiful bronze hues when exposed to direct sunlight and cold temperatures.
From late fall to early winter, Aloe 'Night Sky' produces tubular flowers arranged in racemes with a short stalk. The racemes can reach a height of 8 inches and a diameter of 2.4 inches. The flowers are orange with yellow-green tips and can measure up to 1.4 inches in length and 0.4 inches in width at their widest point.
- When growing Aloe 'Night Sky' indoors, place it in a window that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Rotate the pot once or twice a week to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors, the plant prefers light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Great drainage is essential for growing this plant because too much moisture for an extended period can cause root rot. Use commercial soil for succulents or make your own well-draining mix.
- When temperatures drop below 50°F, it's time to bring this plant inside. It tolerates heat fairly well but will not survive a hard frost. Aloe 'Night Sky' grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50°F.
Aloe ‘White Fox’
Purchased from Home Depot April 2026
Aloe ‘White Fox’ is a cultivar within the Aloe genus, part of the Asphodelaceae family. It has a compact rosette of fleshy, triangular leaves, typically 6-8 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide. Its leaves feature unique white spots or mottling against a green background, intensifying with bright light. Variegation can also include purple-gray shades, especially with sufficient sunlight. Its unique markings make it a favored choice for small pots, terrariums, or succulent arrangements.
*With great care (and a lot of sunlight) you may even see your Aloe bloom! Their flowers grow out of a large spike and can be shades of red, orange, and yellow.
- Aloe ‘White Fox’ thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but tolerates some direct sun. A south-facing window indoors or dappled shade outdoors provides sufficient light for optimal growth and coloration. Intense, direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves, causing browning or discoloration. Too little light may lead to leggy growth and less vibrant coloration.
- Infrequent, thorough watering is important for this succulent, which stores water in its fleshy leaves. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings, typically every 2-3 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). Water deeply until water drains from the pot bottom, then discard excess to prevent root rot. Overwatering causes soft, mushy, or brown leaves and root rot, while underwatering leads to shriveling or wrinkling.
- A well-draining soil mix is essential for Aloe ‘White Fox’ to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix provides necessary drainage and nutrients. Enhancing the mix with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand (50-70% mineral grit) further improves drainage and aeration. Containers must always have drainage holes.
- Aloe ‘White Fox’ prefers temperatures from 65-75°F and tolerates dry air, suiting typical indoor environments. It tolerates temperatures as low as 30°F and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 outdoors. Protect from frost and freezing temperatures, especially in cooler climates, by bringing the plant indoors.
- Fertilizing can encourage robust growth during the active growing season. During spring and summer, apply a light feeding of a balanced liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents, diluted to half or quarter strength, every 2-4 months. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when dormant, as this can lead to root burn.
- Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is during the growing season (spring or summer). Choose a pot only slightly larger (5-10% wider) than the current one, ensuring drainage holes. Water the plant a few days before repotting to reduce transplant shock. Carefully remove the plant, place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining succulent soil, and avoid watering for 5-7 days to allow roots to settle.
*With great care (and a lot of sunlight) you may even see your Aloe bloom! Their flowers grow out of a large spike and can be shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Crassula Muscosa Purpusii
Common Names - Rattail Crassula, Watch Chain, Lizard's Tail, Zipper Plant, Princess Pines
Common Names - Rattail Crassula, Watch Chain, Lizard's Tail, Zipper Plant, Princess Pines
Purchased from All Seasons 2023
Crassula Muscosa Purpusii thrives with minimal attention, making it suitable for gardeners who appreciate low-maintenance plants. Key care points include ensuring well-draining soil to prevent root rot and providing ample light, although direct midday sun may need to be avoided to prevent leaf scorching. Its tolerance for neglect extends to water requirements; it prefers infrequent, deep waterings followed by periods of dryness.
For crassula Muscosa Purpusii, use a succulent-specific fertilizer for optimal health. Fertilize monthly in the growing season, reducing to bi-monthly or ceasing in dormancy. Dilute to half strength to prevent overfeeding. Fertilization promotes stronger roots and lush growth. Seasonal adjustments are key: during spring and summer, crassula Muscosa Purpusii's growth is robust, necessitating regular feeding. In fall and winter, decrease frequency as growth slows. Always water crassula Muscosa Purpusii before fertilizing to avoid root burn. Following these guidelines maintains crassula Muscosa Purpusii's vibrant appearance and staunch structure.
For crassula Muscosa Purpusii, use a succulent-specific fertilizer for optimal health. Fertilize monthly in the growing season, reducing to bi-monthly or ceasing in dormancy. Dilute to half strength to prevent overfeeding. Fertilization promotes stronger roots and lush growth. Seasonal adjustments are key: during spring and summer, crassula Muscosa Purpusii's growth is robust, necessitating regular feeding. In fall and winter, decrease frequency as growth slows. Always water crassula Muscosa Purpusii before fertilizing to avoid root burn. Following these guidelines maintains crassula Muscosa Purpusii's vibrant appearance and staunch structure.
Epiphyllum
Common Names - Orchid Cactus
Common Names - Orchid Cactus
Purchased from All Seasons May 2026
Epiphyllum is a genus of epiphytic cacti native to Central and South America. These plants are known for their flat, leaf-like stems and large, showy flowers that can bloom at night or during the day. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are often grown as houseplants due to their striking appearance and relatively easy-care requirements.
Most types of cacti are flowering plants. However, for showy displays, orchid cacti have the most stunning and most enormous of all cactus flowers. But unlike many cactus species, types of orchid cactus require specific care to thrive. For example, an orchid cactus needs regular watering to keep the soil moist.
To care for an orchid cactus, grow the epiphyllum in a light, well-drained potting mix, bright indirect light, and average room temperature. Water the orchid cactus when the top 1” of soil is dry. Use a balanced fertilizer in spring and fall and a low-nitrogen fertilizer in late winter to encourage blooming.
When caring for this cactus, the goal is to keep the plant in bright light, moist soil, and medium to high humidity. To ensure blooming, the orchid cactus needs cooler temperatures of 50°F to 60°F for a few weeks in winter. Unfortunately, orchid cacti aren’t cold-tolerant and will die in temperatures below 35°F.
Most types of cacti are flowering plants. However, for showy displays, orchid cacti have the most stunning and most enormous of all cactus flowers. But unlike many cactus species, types of orchid cactus require specific care to thrive. For example, an orchid cactus needs regular watering to keep the soil moist.
To care for an orchid cactus, grow the epiphyllum in a light, well-drained potting mix, bright indirect light, and average room temperature. Water the orchid cactus when the top 1” of soil is dry. Use a balanced fertilizer in spring and fall and a low-nitrogen fertilizer in late winter to encourage blooming.
When caring for this cactus, the goal is to keep the plant in bright light, moist soil, and medium to high humidity. To ensure blooming, the orchid cactus needs cooler temperatures of 50°F to 60°F for a few weeks in winter. Unfortunately, orchid cacti aren’t cold-tolerant and will die in temperatures below 35°F.
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost'
Common Names - White Ghost Cactus, Dragon Bones
Common Names - White Ghost Cactus, Dragon Bones
Gifted to me March 25, 2025
Thank you Jackie!
Thank you Jackie!
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' (White Ghost Cactus) is an eye-catching succulent shrub or small tree with 3 or 4 angled, almost entirely white branches with pairs of blackish or brown spines along the ridges. It grows slower and reaches a smaller height than Euphorbia lactea, usually around 10 feet (3 m). The branches are mainly white with a few greyish-green speckles and streaks. They curve gracefully upwards in a candelabra shape and can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick. Although the plant produces tiny white leaves at the branch tips in the summer, they quickly fall off, leaving it usually leafless.
Grow and Care
Grow and Care
- Light: For optimal growth, your Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' needs plenty of sunlight. During the warmer months it near a sunny window gradually increasing its exposure to avoid sunburn.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil preferably a commercial potting mix formulated for succulents.
- Temperature: While high summer temperatures are not a problem, low winter temperatures can damage or kill your plant. Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
- Watering: From spring to fall, water the plant when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter and give it just enough water to prevent wilting. The evening is the best time of the day for watering in the warm season.
- Fertilizing: To ensure the potted plant receives sufficient nutrients, apply a balanced fertilizer in a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, diluted to 1/4 strength weekly during the growing season.
- Repotting: Euphorbia lactea does not need to be repotted often; it will benefit from repotting when it outgrows its pot. Repotting is best done in early spring at the beginning of the growing season. Wear gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye protection when handling this plant.
Faucaria tigrina
Common Names - Tiger's Jaw
Common Names - Tiger's Jaw
Purchased in 2025
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Faucaria tigrina is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).
Faucaria tigrina is a small, clump-forming succulent with green to purplish leaves with up to 10 soft, white teeth arranged in opposite pairs. It can grow up to 6 inches tall. The leaves are thick, fleshy, triangular, and can measure up to 2 inches long.
The flowers are yellow, appear during the day in fall and winter, and can reach a diameter of 2 inches.
Faucaria tigrina is very similar to and often confused with Faucaria tuberculosa. Both species have whitish dots and patches on the leaves, but Faucaria tuberculosa differs by the tubercles over the upper surface of the leaves.
Faucaria tigrina is a small, clump-forming succulent with green to purplish leaves with up to 10 soft, white teeth arranged in opposite pairs. It can grow up to 6 inches tall. The leaves are thick, fleshy, triangular, and can measure up to 2 inches long.
The flowers are yellow, appear during the day in fall and winter, and can reach a diameter of 2 inches.
Faucaria tigrina is very similar to and often confused with Faucaria tuberculosa. Both species have whitish dots and patches on the leaves, but Faucaria tuberculosa differs by the tubercles over the upper surface of the leaves.
- The various species make excellent pot subjects and have been cultivated in Europe for over 300 years. Some species, such as Faucaria tigrina, are quite hardy, while others can be prone to stem rot.
- Faucarias are mostly spring and fall growers. They need good drainage. They will do fine with a bit of shade, even with extreme heat. When they lack water, like many other mesembs, the stems die, and some rosettes are not connected to the roots by any living tissue. When found in time, the rosettes can be used as cuttings and kept in the shade in a barely moistened medium until the temperature cools down in the fall.
- They bloom for several months in the fall or the beginning of winter. The flowers open around midday and close in the late afternoon. They often don't open if the weather is cloudy or if they are in the shade.
Gasteria (Gasteria spp.)
Common Names -ox-tongue, cow-tongue, lawyer's tongue
Common Names -ox-tongue, cow-tongue, lawyer's tongue
Purchased from All Seasons 2025 & 2024
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Native to South Africa, gasteria (Gasteria spp.) is a genus of relatively rare, aloe-like succulents. It sometimes goes by the common name of "ox tongue" because it typically has long leaves with a rough texture. This slow-growing plant tolerates lower light conditions even lightly shaded more than many other succulents do, making it a good option for a houseplant. Planting is best done in the spring, though you generally can start them as houseplants at any point. Gasteria plants are marked with interesting patterns and colors. Moreover, mature gasteria plants typically produce tubular, curved flowers in the winter to spring.
Haworthiopsis fasciata
Common Names - Zebra Plant
Common Names - Zebra Plant
Purchased from Walmart April 2026
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Haworthiopsis fasciata is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).
Haworthiopsis fasciata, formerly known as Haworthia fasciata, is a small succulent that forms rosettes of green, triangular leaves lined with white tubercles on the undersides. It offsets readily, forming a dense clump with age. The rosettes can reach up to 7.2 inches in height and 6 inches in diameter.
The white, tubular flowers appear in summer at the end of slender stalks that can grow up to 1 foot long.
Haworthiopsis fasciata is very similar to and often confused with Haworthiopsis attenuata, but they can be distinguished by the presence of the tubercles. Haworthiopsis fasciata has tubercles only on the undersides, while Haworthiopsis attenuata has tubercles on both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves.
Haworthiopsis fasciata is not common in cultivation, and many plants labeled as Haworthiopsis fasciata are actually Haworthiopsis attenuata.
Haworthiopsis fasciata, formerly known as Haworthia fasciata, is a small succulent that forms rosettes of green, triangular leaves lined with white tubercles on the undersides. It offsets readily, forming a dense clump with age. The rosettes can reach up to 7.2 inches in height and 6 inches in diameter.
The white, tubular flowers appear in summer at the end of slender stalks that can grow up to 1 foot long.
Haworthiopsis fasciata is very similar to and often confused with Haworthiopsis attenuata, but they can be distinguished by the presence of the tubercles. Haworthiopsis fasciata has tubercles only on the undersides, while Haworthiopsis attenuata has tubercles on both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves.
Haworthiopsis fasciata is not common in cultivation, and many plants labeled as Haworthiopsis fasciata are actually Haworthiopsis attenuata.
- Although most species can tolerate full sun, these succulents thrive in semi-shaded positions. However, brighter light conditions are needed to bring out the leaf coloration.
- Plant your Haworthiopsis in commercial soil formulated for succulents or make your own well-draining potting mix.
- Haworthiopsis fasciata can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50°F, USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
- In spring and fall, when the growth is most active, water Haworthiopsis thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plants less during the winter when their growth slows down significantly. During the hottest summer months, when Haworthiopsis are typically dormant, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
- Haworthiopsis are slow-growing succulents and do not require much fertilizer. Therefore, feed with a dilute fertilizer and only from spring to fall.
Haworthiopsis limifolia
Fairy Washboard
Fairy Washboard
Purchased from Walmart April 2026
Haworthiopsis limifolia is native to southeastern Africa (Swaziland, southern Mozambique, and KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa).
Haworthiopsis limifolia, formerly known as Haworthia limifolia, is a small, slow-growing succulent that forms compact, stemless rosettes of light to very dark green or brownish-green leaves with undulate transverse ridges on both surfaces. The rosettes can grow up to 4.8 inches in diameter and slowly produce offsets around the base, forming a dense clump with age. A few selected clones have larger rosettes reaching up to 7 inches in diameter. The leaves are deltoid with ends gradually tapering to a sharp point and can measure up to 4 inches in length and 1.6 inches in width.
The flowers are white with a greenish-brown midrib, tubular, two-lipped, and can grow about 0.6 inches long. They appear in late summer and fall, arranged in a raceme on a slender stalk that can grow up to 16 inches long.
Haworthiopsis limifolia, formerly known as Haworthia limifolia, is a small, slow-growing succulent that forms compact, stemless rosettes of light to very dark green or brownish-green leaves with undulate transverse ridges on both surfaces. The rosettes can grow up to 4.8 inches in diameter and slowly produce offsets around the base, forming a dense clump with age. A few selected clones have larger rosettes reaching up to 7 inches in diameter. The leaves are deltoid with ends gradually tapering to a sharp point and can measure up to 4 inches in length and 1.6 inches in width.
The flowers are white with a greenish-brown midrib, tubular, two-lipped, and can grow about 0.6 inches long. They appear in late summer and fall, arranged in a raceme on a slender stalk that can grow up to 16 inches long.
- Haworthiopsis limifolia thrives in semi-shaded positions. Brighter light conditions are needed to bring out the leaf coloration. Any window in your home or office will likely be appropriate for this succulent.
- Use commercial potting soil specially formulated for succulents or make your own well-draining potting mix.
- This plant prefers warmer summer temperatures but tolerates cooler winter temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F to 50°F, USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
- In spring and fall, when the growth is most active, water thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water the plant less during winter, when its growth slows significantly. During the hottest summer months, when it is dormant primarily, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
- Haworthiopsis limifolia is a slow-growing plant that requires little fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilizing is a good idea. Feed only with a dilute fertilizer and only during the active growing season. Avoid summer fertilizing as the plant is in a 6- to 8-week rest period.
Haworthia refusa
Common Names - Star Cactus
Common Names - Star Cactus
Gifted to me March 25, 2025
Thank you Jackie!
Thank you Jackie!
Haworthia retusa is a small, slow-growing succulent with star-shaped rosettes of thick, triangular leaves, native to the Western Cape of South Africa.
Haworthia retusa forms compact rosettes of thick, fleshy, lime-green leaves with triangular, translucent tips that allow light to penetrate for photosynthesis, giving the plant a crystalline appearance. The leaves are recurved and deltoid, typically reaching 3 to 6 inches (8–15 cm) in height and 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) in width, making it ideal for indoor cultivation. The species produces small, tubular white or pale pink flowers on slender stalks up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall during late spring to summer.
Haworthia retusa forms compact rosettes of thick, fleshy, lime-green leaves with triangular, translucent tips that allow light to penetrate for photosynthesis, giving the plant a crystalline appearance. The leaves are recurved and deltoid, typically reaching 3 to 6 inches (8–15 cm) in height and 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) in width, making it ideal for indoor cultivation. The species produces small, tubular white or pale pink flowers on slender stalks up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall during late spring to summer.
Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora 'Flapjack Plant'
Purchased from All Seasons 2023
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Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora 'Flapjack Plant'
This succulent has been in cultivation since 1787 when the first Kalanchoe thyrsiflora was sent from Madagascar to Europe by French botanist Charles Plumier.
Water well and keep evenly moist but not wet for best results. Kalanchoe need lots of sun so place them in a sunny location outdoors where they will receive at least 6 hours per day of direct sunlight if possible.
The paddle plant is a popular flowering succulent that can be used as an indoor or outdoor houseplant or in containers on your patio, deck, or porch. It comes in several color varieties including red and yellow, with broad leaves attached to thick stems that look like paddles.
This succulent has been in cultivation since 1787 when the first Kalanchoe thyrsiflora was sent from Madagascar to Europe by French botanist Charles Plumier.
Water well and keep evenly moist but not wet for best results. Kalanchoe need lots of sun so place them in a sunny location outdoors where they will receive at least 6 hours per day of direct sunlight if possible.
The paddle plant is a popular flowering succulent that can be used as an indoor or outdoor houseplant or in containers on your patio, deck, or porch. It comes in several color varieties including red and yellow, with broad leaves attached to thick stems that look like paddles.
Kandy Kane Kalanchoe
Purchased from Hugos November 2024
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Kandy Kane Kalanchoe
- Light Requirements - Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct sun, which encourages blooming, but prolonged exposure may scorch leaves.
- Water Requirements - Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly but ensure proper drainage—avoid letting the plant sit in water. Reduce watering during cooler months.
- Toxicity - Believed to be toxic to pets. Ingestion may cause vomiting, drooling, or loss of appetite. Keep out of reach of pets and children.
Pickle Cactus (Kleinia Stapeliiformis)
Common Names - Pickle Plant
Common Names - Pickle Plant
Purchased from All Seasons Nursery May 2026
- The pickle plant (kleinia stapeliiformis) is a striking succulent native to South Africa known for its thick stems with distinctive pickle-like markings.
- Prefers bright light or full sun for at least 4 hours a day.
- Drought-tolerant; let the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Thrives in well-draining sandy succulent soil; if using regular potting soil, adding sand or perlite is beneficial.
- Grows straight up to about 1 foot tall; sprouts new growth from rhizomes under the soil.
- Propagate through cuttings, allowing the cut end to callous over before planting in well-draining soil and providing plenty of light.
Ric Rac Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
Common Names -Ric Rac Cactus, Zig Zag Cactus, Moon Cactus, Queen of the Night
Common Names -Ric Rac Cactus, Zig Zag Cactus, Moon Cactus, Queen of the Night
Purchased from All Seasons Nursery May 2026
The Ric Rac Cactus likes to be placed in an area with partial sun that doesn’t drop beneath 35 F. We suggest placing it near an eastern or western-facing window to get the right balance of sun and shade throughout the day.
Ric Rac Cactus can be sensitive to temperature change, so we recommend choosing a place in your home that has a consistent temperature between 35 and 65 F. If you have them growing outside, we suggest bringing them indoors in the winter because they will not tolerate the cold temperature. They are also prone to freezing when conditions get particularly frigid.
When you water, remove the cactus from its hanging basket and move outside where the excess water can run off. Thoroughly soak the soil until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Allow the water to run out before replacing it in its usual spot.
To encourage flowering in mature plants, we suggest restricting watering from November until buds start to develop on the stems. Once this happens, you can start watering again as usual.
Ric Rac Cactus can be sensitive to temperature change, so we recommend choosing a place in your home that has a consistent temperature between 35 and 65 F. If you have them growing outside, we suggest bringing them indoors in the winter because they will not tolerate the cold temperature. They are also prone to freezing when conditions get particularly frigid.
When you water, remove the cactus from its hanging basket and move outside where the excess water can run off. Thoroughly soak the soil until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Allow the water to run out before replacing it in its usual spot.
To encourage flowering in mature plants, we suggest restricting watering from November until buds start to develop on the stems. Once this happens, you can start watering again as usual.
Stapelia Gigantea
Common Names - Carrion Plant or Toad Plant
Common Names - Carrion Plant or Toad Plant
Was gifted to me from my Aunt around 2009
Stapelia gigantea, also known as the Zulu Giant or Carrion Flower, is a large, star-shaped flowering succulent native to southeastern Africa.
Description
Stapelia gigantea is a clump-forming, spineless succulent with erect, four angled green stems that can grow up to 30 cm (12inches) tall and spread up to1 meter (3.3 feet) wide when grown in the ground. The plant produces large, star shaped flowers up to 40 cm (16 inches) wide, typically pale yellow with maroon transverse lines and fringed with long hairs. The flowers emit a foul odor resembling rotting flesh, which attracts flies for pollination. Flowering occurs throughout the year but peaks in late summer, particularly between December and April in South Africa.
Habitat
Native to a rid regions of South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, Stapelia gigantea thrives in sandy or rocky soils, often in open areas with minimal vegetation or under shrubs. It is adapted to hot, dry climates and can tolerate USDA hardiness zones 9 a to 11b, with minimum winter temperatures around 10°C (50°F),
Cultivation and Care
Stapelia gigantea can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be allowed to call us before planting in well-draining soil. Seeds are very small and should be sown on the surface of a well-draining seed mix, kept lightly moist, and placed in a warm, sunny location.
Description
Stapelia gigantea is a clump-forming, spineless succulent with erect, four angled green stems that can grow up to 30 cm (12inches) tall and spread up to1 meter (3.3 feet) wide when grown in the ground. The plant produces large, star shaped flowers up to 40 cm (16 inches) wide, typically pale yellow with maroon transverse lines and fringed with long hairs. The flowers emit a foul odor resembling rotting flesh, which attracts flies for pollination. Flowering occurs throughout the year but peaks in late summer, particularly between December and April in South Africa.
Habitat
Native to a rid regions of South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, Stapelia gigantea thrives in sandy or rocky soils, often in open areas with minimal vegetation or under shrubs. It is adapted to hot, dry climates and can tolerate USDA hardiness zones 9 a to 11b, with minimum winter temperatures around 10°C (50°F),
Cultivation and Care
- Light: Requires at least 6 hours of bright light daily; tolerates full to partial sun but should be protected from intense midday sun to prevent sunburn.
- Watering: Drought-tolerant; follow the “soak and dry” method, watering only when the soil is dry. During summer, water every 7–10days.
- Soil and Potting: Use well-draining succulent or cactus soil mixed with sand, pumice, or gravel. Terra cotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes are recommended.
- Fertilization: Apply a diluted water-solublefertilizerevery15–20 days during active growth in summer; avoid fertilizing in winter.
- Temperature: Protect from frost; in cooler climates, grow indoors or in containers with controlled temperatures.
Stapelia gigantea can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be allowed to call us before planting in well-draining soil. Seeds are very small and should be sown on the surface of a well-draining seed mix, kept lightly moist, and placed in a warm, sunny location.