Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus

Scientific Name

Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus (Masson) Bruyns

Synonyms

Caralluma decora, Obesia decora, Orbea decora, Piaranthus decorus, Stapelia decora, Stisseria decora, Ceropegia geminata subsp. decora

Scientific Classification

Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Piaranthus

Description

Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus is a succulent plant that spreads over the ground, forming large cushions of jointed stems. The stems are green, decumbent, 4-angled, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) thick, and have 3 to 5 small, tubercle-like teeth along each angle. Flowers are starfish-like, densely velvety-hairy, cream-yellow or green-yellow with bright to dark red-brown or brown dots, patches, or transverse bands. They appear in small bunches at the tips of the young stems.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. However, they should be treated as outdoor plants as they will easily rot indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. They should be grown under cover so that watering can be controlled. Stapeliads require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well-shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering.

These plants come from climates where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and fall, with flowering in fall when the weather starts to cool down. In the growing season, water in moderation when needed, making sure soil is fairly dried out between waterings. Do not water between late fall and early spring.

The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings which can be taken virtually throughout the year. Using seeds is also a method of propagation.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.

Origin

This subspecies is native to South Africa (Northern and Western Cape).