Stapelia care

What is the care of the Stapelia? This is a very popular crass in collections, as they have flowers with a very characteristic star shape, which are of an interesting size. But also, it is not one that has to be watered often, which is why it is recommended to start in the world of succulents.

What's more, the main problem you may have is excess water. Sometimes we tend to give you more care than you really need, and that sooner or later makes you sick. Therefore, in this article we are going to explain how you should take care of your Stapelia.

Where to put it?

How to care for stapelia? To answer that question it is first important to know where you are going to be. You have to find a place where it will always be, since it is not good to change the plants. What will that be? It will depend on whether we will have it outside or inside. For example:

• Abroad: it must be in a bright place, but not in one where it is in direct sunlight.
• Inside the house: You will be in a room where there is a lot of light, but not next to the windows as you could burn yourself. Also, we have to remember to rotate the pot daily so that all its parts receive the same amount of light, thus preventing its stems from bending (here you have more information on this topic).

In any case, it must be taken into account that it does not resist frost. Thus, it can be had outside in spring and summer, and at home the rest of the year.

When and how to water the Stapelia?

La stapelia It is a plant that does not need very frequent waterings, but it does need to be watered from time to time. During the summer, because the temperatures are higher, the land dries more quickly than during the rest of the year. For this reason, in that season we have to be a little aware of the irrigation, and water an average of once or twice a week. In winter, on the other hand, the waterings will be more spaced.

As for how to water, you always have to add the amount of water that is necessary until we see it come out through the drainage holes of the pot, or until the earth looks soaked if it is in the ground. It is important that it is well absorbed, that is, that the substrate or the garden soil has good drainage.

What substrate or soil is suitable?

Being a plant that does not like to have puddled roots, it is necessary that the land has good drainage. Therefore, if we are going to have it on the ground, for example in a rockeryBefore planting it, we will have to see if the water is absorbed quickly. To this end, we will dig a hole of about 40 x 40 centimeters, and fill it with water. If we see that this is absorbed at a good rate from the first second, perfect; but if it takes hours to absorb all of it, then the best thing to do is to make the hole a little bigger, about 50 x 50cm, put a layer of about 20 centimeters of volcanic clay or clay stone (for sale here), and then finish filling it with a mixture of black peat with perlite in equal parts.

In case we are going to enjoy it in a pot, it is advisable to use soil for succulents (for sale here), or a mixture of black peat with 50% perlite. In addition, said pot must have holes in its base through which the water can escape. It is also recommended that it be made of clay, as it will allow the roots to 'grip' better as the clay is a porous material, and not smooth like plastic. This will contribute to the good growth of the plant. However, it is not mandatory to have it in one of that material: in a plastic one it will grow and flourish normally, if it is given the proper care.

When to pay the Stapelia?

If we want our plant to be really good, it is crucial to fertilize it from time to time from spring to late summer. It is not only important to water it when required, but also to provide it with a supply of nutrients. Especially in spring and summer, which is when the Stapelia is growing and can produce its beautiful flowers, we will have to fertilize it for example with a liquid fertilizer for succulents (for sale here), or with natural fertilizers such as guano.

In any case, the directions for use should be followed. Only in this way are we going to ensure that it takes advantage of this extra contribution of 'food' without problems, and that it can grow normally without suffering damage.

What is the ideal time to plant in the ground or change pot?

Spring, when the minimum temperature is at least 18ºC. It cannot be done before as Stapelia is a plant sensitive to cold. In addition, it will only be done when we see that it has occupied the entire pot; this way we will ensure that the soil / roots bread will not crumble when we remove it from the pot.

With this, we will achieve that it surpasses the transplant quickly, resuming its growth in a short period of time. Of course, when planting it in the ground or changing it pot, you have to try not to manipulate its roots too much.

How does Stapelia multiply?

The fastest way to get new copies is multiplying by stem cuttings in spring or summer. For this, what we will do is cut a stem, and plant it in a small pot, about 6,5 centimeters in diameter, filled with vermiculite or previously watered coconut fiber. Then, we leave it in semi-shade, and that's it. If all goes well, we will see that it begins to grow in about 20 days.

Another way to multiply it is sowing its seeds, also in spring. These have to be sown in pots or trays with holes, with coconut fiber or soil for seedlings that we will have previously watered. Later, they are covered with a thin layer of earth, and it is kept in semi-shade or shade. This way they will germinate in one or two weeks as long as they are viable.

What are its pests and diseases?

The reality is that Stapelia is very resistant. It does not usually have problems with pests or diseases, so we do not have to worry too much about this. Maybe we will see a mealybug, but nothing that cannot be removed simply by brushing or removing it by hand.

But if we water excessively, we will see that its stems and / or roots rot. In this case, we will have to cut the affected parts, suspend watering temporarily until the soil dries completely, and apply fungicide that contains copper.

What do you think of the Stapelia? We hope these tips about your care will be helpful to you.