Image - Flickr / Maja Dumat
Plants of the Orbea genus are characterized by being very peculiar: they are flowers, they are very showy, dogs give off a carrion smell that, although it is rather weak ... as long as you have a sensitive sense of smell, it is most likely that it will not be difficult for you. perceive it. Now the orbea variegata It is a species that is not going to give you any problem. It grows reasonably fast, and is very, very easy to maintain.
Being a relatively small plant, The first recommendation that we are going to make is that you grow it in a pot, since in this way you will be able to know at all times where and how it is. But, of course, it can also be had in the garden, in a controlled corner.
Origin and characteristics of orbea variegata
Image - Wikimedia / AnonyGnome
La orbea variegata, also known as Stapelia variegata (its old scientific name), Lizard flower or carrion flower, is a non-cactaceous succulent or crass plant native to the coastal strip of the Western Cape, in South Africa. It has no leaves, but it does have serrated stems that grow more or less straight, green in color and about 10 centimeters high.
The flowers are star shapedThey are white or yellow with maroon spots and measure up to 8 centimeters. These have five pointed lobes that surround the central ring, also called the crown.
What are their cares?
As we said at the beginning, it is a very grateful succulent. But if you want to have a copy, we recommend providing the following care to keep it free of pests, diseases and other problems:
Location
- Body exterior:: full sun. It is a plant that must receive the rays of the star directly, ideally throughout the day, otherwise its growth will be slower and weaker.
- Interior: You can be in a room with a lot of natural light.
Earth:
- Flower pot: universal culture substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts. Whenever possible, it is advisable to choose a clay pot as this is a material that, being porous, facilitates rooting, so the succulent can grow much better than if it were in a plastic one.
But, regardless of which one is chosen, it must have holes in the base through which the water can escape during irrigation. This prevents the roots from dying from having such direct contact with stagnant water. - Garden: it is indifferent as long as it has good drainage. But beware: remember that the orbea variegata it is relatively small, and therefore easy to lose in a garden. Plant it in a corner where you know that it will be controlled, for example in a kind of planter made with stones integrated in a corner with other succulents and / or with some cacti. Another option is to plant it first in a wide pot, about 20 centimeters in diameter, then in the ground, burying the pot only a little, and finally cover the container with decorative stones or gravel so that it is easy for you to locate it.
Irrigation
Image - Wikimedia / Maja Dumat from Deutschland (Germany)
Irrigation must be rather scarce, about 2 times a week in summer, and once every 7-10 days the rest of the year. During the winter, you have to water less, about once a month, especially if there are frosts.
It does not tolerate waterlogging. To avoid problems, if it is in a pot it is essential that it has holes in the base through which the water can escape, and without a plate underneath. In addition, both the soil and the substrate have to drain the water quickly, because if they are compact and / or very heavy, the roots will suffer.
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From early spring to late summer with specific fertilizers for cacti and other succulents following the indications specified on the package.
If you prefer, you can use natural fertilizers, such as guano.
Multiplication of the Stapelia variegata
It multiplies by seeds and stem cuttings in spring:
Seeds
The seeds They must be sown in seedbeds with universal substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts, covering them just a little bit. Then, you just have to water and place them outside, in semi-shade; or indoors with lots of light.
If all goes well, they will germinate in about 15 days, but you should leave them there until they reach a size of at least 2-3 centimeters.
Cuttings
It is the fastest way to get new copies. Just you have to cut a stem, and plant it in a pot with vermiculite for example, or with a mixture of black peat mixed with perlite in equal parts.
Water, and place the pot in semi-shade if you are going to have it outside, or indoors with light.
In about 10-15 days it will start to root.
Plagues and diseases
It is quite sturdy in general. But avoid overwatering, and be careful with snails and slugs.
Rusticity
From experience I can tell you that supports up to -1,5ºC without problems if they are specific and short-term frosts. If you live in a colder area, you should protect it or in a greenhouse or inside the house.
Where to buy orbea variegata?
Image - Wikimedia / Skolnik Collection
You can buy seeds from No products found..
What did you think of orbea variegata?
Thanks for sharing your gardening knowledge.
I stop blooming, what can be the causes, thank you.
Hello cecilia.
Orbeas are plants that bloom one, and rarely two a year.
Do not worry. Water it by letting the soil dry between waterings, and fertilize it in spring and summer with specific fertilizers for cacti and other succulents.
In case you've never changed it pot, transplant it in spring to a higher. You will appreciate it.
A greeting.
When buying it, the flower came open wide, after two days at home the flower closed, why is it? Thanks
Hello Caroline.
It is normal. It may be because you need time to get used to your new home, or because you just had to close down. 🙂
A greeting.
Hi! my plant has some dark spots all over it, I don't know what to do. Also some "stems" (I don't know how they are called) have dried up and hardened; To top it off today I found in one like tiny little eggs grouped together.
I appreciate a little guidance!
Thank you very much!
Hi Yael.
I recommend spraying it with water and mild soap, or better sprinkle on top diatomaceous earth.
If it does not improve, treat it with cypermethrin.
Greetings.
Hello, I had a plant of that type but I think that some tiny white animals that ran very fast ended up with it because the plant was disappearing, I rescued a small part with root and I take special care but today I found it with too much water as if someone else I have watered it and it is so saturated with water that the plant feels very very watery, I changed the substrate to a drier one because it was very very wet but what else can I do? Put it in the sun or in the shade so that it dries faster☹… As for the plague of those little animals, do you suggest anything to me?
Hello Caroline.
I recommend you leave it protected from the sun, but in a bright area. Treat it with universal insecticide, and water little, 1-2 times a week, and less in winter.
For the rest, it only remains to wait.
Greetings.
Hello, I would like to know when is the time when I should plant your seeds ???
Thank you!!
Hello Maria Ines.
Orbea seeds are sown in spring, towards the middle of that season, when the minimum temperature begins to be 15ºC or more.
Regards!
Hello! I have an Orbea in a hanging pot that has grown a lot. Many of her arms are already 50-60cms, but have NEVER flowered. Its color is bright green, it has never had a plague, but I am already beginning to feel sorry for everyone who tells me "it gives very beautiful flowers, has it already given you flowers?" And then no?
Hi Michelle.
Have you ever changed the pot? You may need some more space for it to flourish 🙂
It is also advisable to fertilize it with a compost for cacti and succulents.
Greetings.
what happens when the plant at the top turns yellow
Hello Alejandro.
It can be due to excess or lack of water. It is important that it be watered when the soil or substrate is dry, and that if there is a plate under it, the excess water is removed.
Regards!
enducon@hotmail.com
grace
I love thanks for the information greetings
Thanks to you, greetings 🙂
I have it very beautiful but now it has grown a kind of large pods ... will it be where the seeds are contained? If I cut them, will I harm the plant? Thanks ☺️
Hello Laura.
Yes, it is possible that those pods contain the seeds.
I don't recommend taking them off, as plants use a lot of energy to produce them.
Greetings.
Some black dots came out and it is drying, what can I do to save it?
Hello Daniela.
Do you have it in full sun? And since when? It could be that it is burning.
Another possibility is that you are getting more water than you need; in which case it would be necessary to space the waterings, or even change the land if the water does not drain quickly, for one for cacti and succulents for example.
Regards!
I have one that a friend gave me. The first year he was with me, he bloomed once. This year it bloomed once and now again it threw two flowers. I am very happy, the strange thing is that my friend's plant (where the cutting came from) has had it for years and has never flowered.
Hello Aracelis.
Do you know if he has ever changed the pot? Your plant may have run out of space and is therefore not blooming.
Greetings.
In a few days the beginning of the stem became brown but the tips are bright green and have grown a lot and are no longer upwards, rather they hang from a pot. It is in a place with good light. What can that change be?
Hello Hector.
Is it possible to get direct sunlight (or light, if you are near a window) at some point? It is important to put it in an area where there is a lot of light, but protected from direct sun as this prevents it from getting burned.
However, if it is otherwise fine, it is not worrisome. Water it when the soil is dry, and voila.
Greetings.