Tim A Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 My Stapelia has flowered for the first time Yesterday Today Didn't notice any smell, but there are lots of fly eggs in the centre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_muscipula Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Wow that is a huge flower, can you give me advice on growing it, I have a stapelia hirsuta cutting that I rooted its established and making its first flower for me. But I don't know what it likes and doesn't like as its my only non carnivorous plant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim A Posted August 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 I have it in a greenhouse where it gets full sun until midday, I water it about once every 3 to 4 weeks at the moment. Our weather tends to be cloudy though, so you may need more shade. I keep it indoors and dry through the winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_muscipula Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 Do they like heat, need cool nights, how about hardiness? I litterally know nothing about how to grow stapelia and I have never grown any cacti. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim A Posted August 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 It is quite tolerant of different conditions, the main thing is not to water it too much and keep it above 50 F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwilson Posted August 29, 2008 Report Share Posted August 29, 2008 Agreed with the cultivation tips. Also most Stapeliads are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures including below zero conditions. This is quite surprising since the recieved wisdom is that most succulents need heat in the winter. I keep quite a few of my succulents in an unheated greenhouse and even a few on my very unheated balcony and they not only do fine but they look better than those kept in more heated condistions. Watering in the winter should be kept to an absolute minimum. It's case of balance here. While the plants have evolved to grow in low rainfall areas I find that Stapeliads in particular do not cope well with long periods without water - say an entire English winter. What happens is the roots die off and while they will re-grow rapidly in the spring once water is given, there is a distinct risk of the plant rotting off. I find it better to lightly water every couple of months. A friend does this by dipping the pot in water and leaving for a few seconds. I'd only water during warmer weather - never if the plants are not heated and there is a risk of frost. The main pests to watch out for with Stapeliads in particular, is mealy bug and occasionally wooly aphid. They seem to attract the former like a magnet! Keep a bottle of Provado handy - you'll need it! Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
An D Smith Posted August 29, 2008 Report Share Posted August 29, 2008 A beautiful plant Tim. I still have a spare Stapelia gigantea free to anyone who wants to pay the postage (around a fiver) The plant was exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show this year by the Durban Botanic Gardens. Cheers Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted August 29, 2008 Report Share Posted August 29, 2008 Hi Andy If you pm me your address i will send you a cheque for the postage Regards Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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