The Elkhorn Succulent, Stapelia gigantea, is a distinctive plant offering a unique aesthetic. Its unusual form makes it a striking addition to any indoor plant collection, providing captivating visual interest.
Identifying Your Elkhorn Succulent
The ‘Elkhorn Succulent’ is Stapelia gigantea, often confused with Elkhorn Ferns due to similar common names. This true succulent has thick, fleshy stems that grow upright before spreading, resembling antlers or horns suggested by its name. Stems are typically four-angled, grayish-green, reaching 10 to 30 cm tall and forming clumps up to 1 meter wide.
Its large, star-shaped flowers can span up to 40 cm across. These five-petaled blooms are pale yellow or cream with thin, irregular crimson to maroon-red lines, giving them a unique texture. The flowers emit a strong, pungent odor, often described as rotting meat, which attracts flies.
Elkhorn Succulent Care
Elkhorn Succulents thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking arid environments. They tolerate some direct morning sun, especially in cooler climates, but protect them from harsh afternoon sunlight, which can cause stems to turn reddish or brown. An east-facing window or filtered light spot is often ideal for optimal growth.
Proper watering is crucial for the health of Stapelia gigantea. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, a common succulent issue. During cooler winter months, the plant enters dormancy, requiring significantly less water, often stopping watering entirely. Overwatering is the main cause of problems, so a conservative approach is best.
A well-draining soil mix is important for Stapelia gigantea to prevent water retention around the roots. A gritty succulent or cactus mix, amended with perlite, gravel, or pumice, provides aeration and drainage. This substrate ensures excess water escapes quickly, supporting the plant’s shallow root system. Repotting is rarely needed; plants can remain in the same container for many years.
These succulents prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 10°C and 30°C. Protect them from frost; they are not cold-hardy and can suffer damage if temperatures drop too low. They are well-suited to low to average humidity levels, consistent with their natural desert habitats.
Fertilizing Stapelia gigantea should be done sparingly. A light feeding with a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer during the active growing season (spring and summer) is sufficient. Avoid fertilization during their dormant winter period to prevent nutrient buildup and potential harm.
Propagating Elkhorn Succulents
Propagating Stapelia gigantea is best achieved through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems and cut cleanly with a sharp knife or shears, ideally during the warm growing season (spring to summer). After cutting, allow the severed end to dry and form a callus for several days to a few weeks, depending on cutting size. This callusing process is important for preventing rot when the cutting is planted.
Once the cutting has callused, place it lengthwise onto a fast-draining medium, such as cactus potting mix. Moisten the soil barely; rooting can occur within a few weeks, though it may take longer. Division is also possible for larger, clumping plants by separating rooted sections and repotting.
Common Elkhorn Succulent Problems
A common issue for Elkhorn Succulents is rot, typically manifesting as soft, discolored stems or roots. This problem almost always stems from overwatering or inadequate drainage. If rot is detected, unpot the plant, remove affected tissue, and repot into fresh, well-draining soil.
Shriveling or wrinkling of the stems often indicates underwatering, signaling the plant needs moisture. While drought-tolerant, prolonged dryness can lead to dehydration. Adjusting the watering schedule for more consistent, infrequent hydration will help stems plump up.
A lack of flowering can be attributed to several factors. Insufficient light is a common cause, as adequate light is necessary for bloom production. Improper watering, too much or too little, can also stress the plant and inhibit flowering. Nutrient deficiencies, though less common with light fertilization, might also play a role.
Common succulent pests like mealybugs can occasionally affect Stapelia gigantea. These small, white, cottony insects can be removed manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Ensuring good air circulation and regular inspection can help prevent significant infestations.