christerb Posted August 22, 2012 Report Share Posted August 22, 2012 (edited) Hi, I have had a couple of unidentified species together for a few years now on the windowsill, potted in a peat moss/perlit/sand mix. The problem is that both have had flower buds, but they wilt before the flower opens (thus the reason I haven't been able to identify them). Going by the leaf-stems I believe them to be some of the common stapelia species, maybe S. hirsuta. Late last year when the problem began I attributed this to shorter days of light. I have also suspected too dry soil when it happened next time, and increased watering when they started budding. This summer they have had plenty of light, but the buds still wilt. Anyone have any suggestions why this would be happening? Regards, Christer Edited August 22, 2012 by christerb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rodrigo Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 Christer, post photos of your plant so that, in this way, we know that we are dealing with before you give a reply about your problem. Best regards, Rodrigo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenofeden Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 with stapelia it's usually cold and damp they object to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christerb Posted August 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2012 Hi again, I keep it in a north facing window that heats up quite well in the afternoon this time of year, but that may not be enough. I will try another spot that might give more even warm temps. I did notice a few "fingers" (seen in the back) that was mushier, so maybe my attempt to give more water - to help the buds - was counter-productive. I have been careful with the watering before this though. Plants in question. ...and the failing flower buds. Regards, Christer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rodrigo Posted August 25, 2012 Report Share Posted August 25, 2012 Christer, the lack of nutrients in the substrate where your Stapelia are planted may be the cause of it not bloom. Take a look at this site I found, as I believe that it will be useful: http://www.cactus-ar...lia_hirsuta.htm Best regards, Rodrigo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxxima Posted August 25, 2012 Report Share Posted August 25, 2012 Hey there, I don't think your plants are getting enough sunlight, they are way greener than mine. I keep mine on a southern balcony where they receive almost full sun. Check out my thread 'Summer Blooms', they bloom throughout summer. You should also start fertilizing them around April/May, feed them once every two weeks and increase the watering but not too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christerb Posted August 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2012 Thanks for the answers. I have definitely not fed them enough I realize now. I will also try to give them more light in the future. Thanks again for the help. Regards, Christer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christerb Posted October 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 (edited) Hi, So I finally got a flower to develop full-term. I did fertilize once after starting this thread, nothing else. A couple of buds did wilt before this one, but it could be that the feeding had yet to take effect. I have more buds, so it will be interesting to see whether it was just a lucky shot, or not. The flower in its "natural" position. I was a bit disappointed that it didn't stay flat very long though. I had to use a stick to prop up the flower for these pics. Although the fragrance isn't very nice, it is not as strong as I had feared. A closer look at the flower. Regards, Christer Edited October 4, 2012 by christerb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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