Stapelia leendertziae, informally known as “Steve Leaves,” is a distinctive succulent native to Southern Africa. This unique plant is admired for its striking, bell-shaped, deep reddish to dark purple blossoms, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.
Identifying Stapelia leendertziae
Identifying Stapelia leendertziae involves recognizing its specific stem and flower attributes. The plant forms clumps of four-angled, succulent stems that are typically green, sometimes developing a reddish hue in direct sunlight. These stems are often velvety hairy and have small tubercles along their ridges.
Its prominent bell-shaped flowers are large and pendulous, deep red to maroon, measuring up to 12 cm long and 8 cm in diameter, with a velvety texture inside. A key characteristic is their strong, disagreeable carrion-like scent, which attracts flies for pollination, hence its common name “carrion flower.”
Stapelia leendertziae Care
Light
Stapelia leendertziae thrives in bright light conditions, ideally receiving full to filtered sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, particularly in cooler climates, it is best to protect it from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching.
Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and a reduction in flowering, while too much intense sun can cause the stems to develop increased pigmentation as a protective mechanism. For indoor cultivation, placing the plant in a bright, indirectly lit location is advisable.
Watering
As a succulent, Stapelia leendertziae is drought-tolerant and stores water in its fleshy stems. The most effective watering strategy involves allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot and mushy stems.
During the growing season, typically spring and summer, watering can be more frequent, but during winter dormancy, water should be significantly reduced or withheld. Wrinkled stems can indicate a need for water, while soft or mushy stems signal overwatering.
Soil Requirements
Proper drainage is important for the health of Stapelia leendertziae. A well-draining, gritty succulent or cactus mix is ideal for potting this plant. This type of soil prevents water from sitting around the roots, which can lead to fungal infections and rot.
A suitable soil blend can include components like pumice, perlite, and orchid bark mixed with a small amount of potting soil. Shallow pots with drainage holes are recommended because Stapelia roots are relatively short.
Temperature and Humidity
Stapelia leendertziae prefers warm temperatures, ideally ranging between 25-32°C (75-90°F) during its active growing period. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, sometimes as low as 15°C (50°F), but prolonged exposure to cold, especially below 10°C (50°F), can be detrimental. Protecting the plant from frost is important, and bringing it indoors during colder months is a common practice.
The plant thrives in low humidity environments, which mimics its native arid habitat. High humidity combined with excessive watering can increase the risk of fungal problems.
Propagating Stapelia leendertziae
Propagating Stapelia leendertziae is most successfully achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and use a clean, sharp blade to make a cut. After taking the cutting, allow the cut end to callus over for several days to a week. This callusing process helps prevent rot once the cutting is planted.
Once the cutting has callused, plant it in a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. It is often recommended to lay the stem on the gritty compost rather than burying it deeply, as roots will form from the underside. The best time for propagation is during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing.
Common Problems and Solutions
Stapelia leendertziae can experience issues primarily related to improper watering. Overwatering often results in mushy stems and root rot, which can be identified by the plant’s decline and soft, decaying tissue. If root rot occurs, affected parts should be removed with a sterile knife, and the plant repotted in dry soil after allowing any cuts to callus. Conversely, underwatering can cause stems to shrivel, indicating the need for a thorough but infrequent watering.
Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can sometimes affect Stapelia leendertziae. Mealybugs may appear as white, cottony masses on stems, while spider mites can cause yellow or brown spots. Treating these pests often involves rinsing the affected areas or using a mixture of methylated spirits and water. Fungal infections, sometimes secondary to pest damage, can also occur, and affected stems should be removed. Lack of flowering can be due to insufficient light or improper watering cycles, suggesting an adjustment to care conditions. Scorching, appearing as discolored spots, can result from too much direct, intense sunlight.